I. VIDEO HARDWARE: COMPATIBILITY ISSUES
A. Tape size: 1/2 inch, 8mm
B. Tape format: VHS - analog/digital
C. Color coding/lines of resolution: NTSC (USA, Japan), PAL (UK, Germany, Asia) SECAM (France, Eastern Europe)
D. Voltage/ Cycles per minute

II. TYPES OF VIDEO AND FILM SOFTWARE
A. Language Learning Videos
B. Adapted television/video materials -- off-air broadcasts
C. Teacher/student produced materials of student or teacher performance
D. Feature or documentary films

III. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR USING THE VCR
A. Plan ahead and practice ahead of time if possible -- know your equipment
B. Set up the tape in the right place ahead of time
C. Use the counter, volume control, and pause button
D. Make sure everyone can see and hear
E. Keep a back-up copy of important material
F. Be prepared

IV. TECHNIQUES
A. Sound off/vision on
1) Catching the credits 2) Oral description: sportscasting
3) Written description 4) Prediction
5) Dialog fill-in 6) Information gap activities

B. Sound on/vision off
1) Prediction 2) Video dictation
3) Listen and repeat 4) Pronunciation and intonation practice
5) Mystery sounds 6) Songs and moods

C. Sound on/vision on
1) General comprehension 2) Specific listening
3) True or false 4) Summary (oral or written "novelization")
5) Vocabulary/expressions 6) Discussions

D. Working with a written script
1) Reading 2) Dramatic reading (acting)
3) Pronunciation 4) Vocabulary/expressions
5) Listen 1st, read later 6) Watching for enjoyment

V. USING A VIDEO CAMERA WITH STUDENTS
A. Use a tripod, extra microphone, watch lighting
B. Oral reports, speeches
C. Drama, interviews, news
D. Make a movie - let them write, act, direct, film