Metadata is FundamentalMetadata is Fundamental

Metadata is FundamentalMetadata is Fundamental……but is it Fun?but is it Fun?

No…but it doesn’t need to be frightening…

or painful.

Why is metadata important?

• Enables search functions• Allows sharing of information &

resources• Facilitates generation of promotional

pieces• Facilitates creation of educational

materials• Adds value to video resources• Makes everyone’s work life easier

So, what does it look like?

Of course, you see it used all the time…

Use it here…

Or here…

What metadata is most important for education?• Series, program, & clip descriptions• Keywords at all levels• Grade levels• Indexing data• Subject and topic elements• Curriculum standards match-ups• Elements related to intellectual

property

So, what does education metadata look like?

What is “good” metadata?

Consistency is the key!

• Develop a standard way of identifying subjects and topics

• Develop a standard way of writing descriptions• Develop core trained staff (paid and volunteer)• Use consistent syntax and numbering systems

among records• Advocate for a controlled language in

describing education-related elements

Develop education-specific metadata elements

Why?

Descriptive information for promotional or archival use is different from descriptive information for educational use.

"Jubilee Singers: Sacrifice and Glory" offers a unique and inspiring lens for studying many themes relevant to the period of Reconstruction, including race relations, education, grassroots activism, race relations, popular culture, music, and American regionalism (particularly as it relates to the culture of the American south).

In the chaotic decade following the Civil War, a group of young ex-slaves in Nashville, Tennessee, set out on a mission to save their financially troubled school by giving concerts. Traveling first through cities in the North, then on to venues across Europe, the Jubilee Singers introduced audiences to the power of spirituals, the religious anthems of slavery. Driven to physical collapse and even death, the singers proved more successful -- and more inspirational -- than anyone could have imagined. A portrait of faith, music, and sacrifice.

Some Tips About Keywords• Use as many synonyms for

keywords as reasonably possible.

“One person may use the term ‘right angle,’ while another might use ‘90-degree’ or even ‘square angle.’ And some states don't use common terms that you might take for granted, expecting that ‘everyone calls it that.’ The one that stands out in my mind is the term ‘photosynthesis.’ I just took for granted that that term is so common it will show up in every state's standards. Not in Indiana - their standards are not as specific, saying something about how plants convert light to energy.”

• Use as many synonyms for keywords as reasonably possible.

“When writing keywords you should try to think of all the possible words teachers may use to describe the concept.  One teacher may type positive and negative numbers while another teacher may simply type integers.  Also, don't just include the name of a specific law or principle.  I think the keywords should also include terms that can be used to describe the law or principle.  For example, if you include law of motion you may also want to include velocity, force, and acceleration as keywords.”

• Be specific! “Don't just say the video talks about

graphs.  Explain what type of graphs are discussed in the video (For example, stem-and-leaf plots, histograms, circle graph, line graph, etc.  Many state standards (especially in math and the upper grades of science) are very specific. In Ohio (and many other states) you learn how to create bar and line graphs in 4th grade, circle graphs and double line graphs in 5th or 6th grade, and stem-and-leaf plots and histograms in middle school. I am assuming that when teachers conduct a search they will also want to search for specific concepts that match their standards.”

What’s wrong with this picture?

What does this mean for education departments?

• Start somewhere• Coordinate with other departments• Determine local standards,

formats, technology• Create metadata for new

productions from the start• Get teachers involved• Share with colleagues from other

stations

Then, step back and relax…