Educational Media Reviews Online

With the abundance of opportunities for cheating, it is never too early to bring up this topic with students. This film provides a very clear explanation of the subject in a variety of formats. Two narrators, a boy and a girl, talk to the camera in many of the scenes. In others, students give their answers and opinions as if being interviewed by someone off-camera. In still others, students are shown in various scenarios where they make choices and face the consequences.

The sound is of high quality, with mainly dialogue and some music, which is jazzy and upbeat. The visuals are clear and interesting, although in some of them the viewer can tell that the actors are superimposed on a different background. A few graphics appear: words – such as cheating, plagiarism, integrity and honesty – and their definitions.

The title subject is covered in an age-appropriate nature. The two narrators seem to be a little older than the target audience, which are grades 5 through 9, although the students talking and the students in the scenarios appear to be in that age group.

An additional tool is the Teacher’s Resource Book, which includes learning objectives, pre- and post-tests, fact sheets, student activities, discussion questions, suggested books and websites, and National Health Education Standards. Instructions for accessing this resource are included inside the DVD box.

This film provides definite action steps on what to do to avoid cheating, with a strong emphasis on doing the right thing. It would be most appropriate for school libraries and media centers that serve the target audience, as well as public libraries which may want to consider purchase for teachers to use in their classrooms and for home schoolers. A no-nonsense approach that is interesting, not too long for short attention spans, and just right for this age group.

Recommended.