Netflix as an educational tool?

At the beginning of the semester, I wasn't too surprised with a teacher recommending the internet service Netflix to get the movies that we would be studying in class. I've had my problems with viewing video on blackboard, it often doesn't work for me. That teacher also felt that uploading them all the time might be kind of a hassle, so she also promised to keep copies in the library. So far, Netflix has worked out.

For those who don't know, Netflix is a mailorder rental service. However, they also offer some movies that will play instantly. Last night I was able to show my sister Forrest Gump for the first time, after much criticism for never seeing it. I've seen half of the films online for that particular class and I'm able to pause, fast forward, and even seek throughout the timeline of the movie. If I decide that I want to take a break from my current Don't Be a Menace to South Central..." and watch The Office, I can come back to the prior at any time uninterrupted.

I've also used it for my video editing class, or at least the ones I find on instant play. We read articles in the class that reference some movies that I've never seen, so it's nice to see that and make the connection with what the author was trying to convey.

Not everything is on instant play, but the turnaround for the mail service is only about a day. I can go on and add movies to my queue and they'll send them to me. When I'm finished, I can send it back, and they send me another one on my list. I can modify that list at any time on the website and rate movies that i've seen, as well as post comments. I only pay $8.99 a month for unlimited instant play, and 1 DVD out at a time. However, I can have an unlimited amount of DVD's every month. I mostly use the instant play just because it's so easy, but a lot of times I have to resort to getting the DVD's. But like I said, there is a very short turnaround when exchanging.

Maybe someday Bridgewater can realize that things are moving in a media direction, and a lot of classes that are currently offered use the study of films and TV shows as part of their lessons. It would be pretty cool to see some kind of deal made where students here could get the service for a discount, or it could be more integrated into academic life.