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

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

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.

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