Development of a video programme on dry zone forests of Sri Lanka
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Date
2007
Authors
Silva, M. A. S. S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Dry zone of the country is the largest climatic zone in Sri Lanka. It has unique secondary vegetation forming dry-mixed evergreen forests, scrub forests, riverine vegetations and grasslands. These forests contain many valuable timber and medicinal plant species. Due to the timber value, these forests are in constant depletion upon illicit tree felling.
Depletion of dry zone forests has raised many problems such as loss of biodiversity, land degradation, habitat destruction of wild animals, etc. To minimize the alarming rates of depletion of these forest types, various efforts have been made by different institutions.
The use of audiovisual medium to increase awareness has been realized by the Department of Agricultural Extension of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Peradeniya.
A research effort was carried out in the effort of producing an effective audiovisual teaching tool. This was carried out in two phases: development of the video script and Production of the video & pre-testing it for the effectiveness among the students of the faculty doing agricultural studies.
A survey carried out before the development of the video script among sixty-six people inside the university confirmed the necessity of pre-listed topics which were picked on a careful literature ‘survey. Based on the script, a sample video was produced and pre-tested for the effectiveness among a group of thirty-three undergraduate students. The survey revealed a significant increase of the knowledge levels upon watching the video.
Another survey carried out to check the aspects on the quality of the sample video revealed some necessary amendments before the video made available as an educational tool.
Description
Keywords
Environmental Science , Dry Zone Forests