British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Science in Focus Special: Time and Place in the Communication Age

Synopsis
The history of measuring time with exact precision is taken for granted - yet only a few generations ago, clocks were set locally by the sun. Now modern electronic technology allows time to be measured accurately as well as distance, position and speed. Fully exploiting modern technology is the challenge of the next generation. This video contains two 20-minute programmes:

Programme 1 - Looks at the problems experienced by early navigators measuring time and position, and compares these with how time can now be measured to a millisecond. Explains how distance can be measured using time.

Programme 2 - Describes and explains how the Global Positioning System (GPS) works; how maps are made using Information and Communications Technology and photography; how ICT systems can be integrated with mobile communications systems.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Documentation
Programme notes available online at www.channel4.com.secondary
Uses
14 years +
Subjects
Physics; Technology
Keywords
cartography; chronology; measuring instruments; navigation skills; time; Global positioning systems (GPS); telecommunication systems

Distribution Formats

Type
VHS
Format
PAL
Price
£19.99
Availability
Sale
Duration/Size
2 x 20 minutes
Year
2006

Sections

Title
How Digital Television works
Synopsis
Discusses pixels, compression, bandwidth, the use of multiple digital channels by Skt Sports Active, potential uses for viewers with disabilities, problems of over-compression, virtual reality presenters.
Duration
20 mins

Title
Applications and Implicationsof the New Digital Technologies, The
Synopsis
Discusses the building of virtual characters using movement sensors, the uses for an avatar which is made from four images of a person, new types of television including wall and mobile units, research into how 3-D environments with interactive characters can be used to train people in public speaking or to overcome phobias.
Duration
20 mins

Production Company

Name

4Learning

Email
sales@channel4learning.com
Web
http://www.channel4.com/learning/ External site opens in new window
Notes
Use for: Educational Television Company

Sponsor

Name

Independent Television Commission

Web
http://www.itc.org.uk External site opens in new window
Phone
020 7306 7763
Fax
020 7306 7750
Address
London W1P 7LB

Distributor

Name

4 Learning

Notes
Channel 4 Learning has now closed. This used to be the educational broadcasting arm of Channel 4. The online shop sold educational DVDs and CD-ROMs for use in primary and secondary schools.
Name

AVP

Record Stats

This record has been viewed 387 times.