On-Line Video Lessons for Merit Badges

Joshua Glacken

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Let's take the information that is in our merit badge books and turn them into a series of 3-5 minute lessons that boys can view when needed. It is proven that people learn better through multimedia. This would help the Scouts learn and be more along the lines of the things they do anyway.

Plus, someone w/ an iphone could download a video while at a Scout meeting or campout for all of the Scouts to learn...Can we make an App for that?

Likewise for the different Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class requirments.

Idea # 760Technology

Comments

bruce.drake 4 months ago

One of the main purposes of the merit badge program is to provide a Scout with the opportunity and responsibility to make ap[pointments and meet with adults to pursue the badge. We should not take away that positive experience.

Joshua Glacken 4 months ago

How would transfering the information that is found in the merit badge books diminish that in any way? It is still the same process and information, just presented in a fashion that youth will likely use. And, they will likely remember it better and therefore get more out of the program.

Richard Mathews 4 months ago

I like the concept, but agree with the comments of Bruce. As a merit badge counselor I can tell you that one frustration is with Scouts showing up for counseling sessions without having read the merit badge book (and, where appropriate, having done the "pre-requisites"). I would see this as a great avenue (for merit badges) to get Scouts interested and engaged in actually reading the merit badge book and being more interested in doing the work. It could point to interesting facts/issues about the subject matter and reference the merit badge book (e.g., "as is explained in more detail in chapter 3 of the merit badge book, the Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, and sets forth key personal individual rights that are fundamental to individual liberty."

sthanson 4 months ago

Rather than be a lesson, have the video be an introduction--"Here's what you will need to do to earn this badge." During the presentation, show the pamphlet and tell the viewer that details on how to meet the requirements are found in the pamphlet.

We want to encourage our youth to read for understanding, which is a critical skill for success.

I agree with the comments about making appointments and meeting with adults.

jotoro 4 months ago

Josh,
I think the way you phrased your idea is leading people to think that you think boys should be able to earn badges online or through interactive videos. From your comments it is clear to me that you meant for these technologies to augment what we already do. I think that may be negatively effecting the vote on this one.

jeburke 3 months ago

Interesting idea... sort of like the rank requirments videos that came out on the Boy Scout Troop DVD a couple of years ago. I suppose the main difference, though, it that there are WAY more MB requirements than there are rank advancement requirements...

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