ABSTRACT
One of the fastest and most effective means of conveying a new technology or practice is through the use of video, which is understandable regardless of the language spoken or the geographical location of the observer. In 2013, I began making YouTube videos to convey the principles behind three different topics: (1) postharvest handling of fruits and vegetables, (2) methods of evaluating the quality of both raw and processed fruits and vegetables, and (3) fruit and vegetable preservation methods. Prior to starting on this project, it was important to carry out a ‘video search’ to document what already existed, and after watching numerous videos, to determine which style of the video was most appropriate for audiences located both in developing and developed countries. A database of the 60 videos that existed at that time, along with their website addresses, a short description, intended audience, year, length and type of video was created. The Excel database, as well as links to all 60 videos, are located at the following website: https://www.fruitandvegetable.ucdavis.edu/Fruit_-_Vegetable_Videos/.
Videos with a short, simple format using overlaid text were felt to be the easiest to translate and most likely to be understood by the largest variety of audiences. Short videos of less than 6 minutes appear to be the most popular, therefore this was also targeted. A decision was also made to prioritize ‘how to’ videos which described how to use the various tools that a postharvest scientist would need to conduct evaluations. ‘How to Use a Color Chart to Increase Market Value’ was the first video created and it is posted on the following YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Z7Gf-Tf8UsUkxyu54PeKw. A ‘Technical Note’ accompanies the video and includes the objectives, key concepts, materials required, background material, how learning will be reinforced/evaluated, references and discussion questions. This technical note is available here: https://www.fruitandvegetable.ucdavis.edu/Fruit_-_Vegetable_Videos/. The second and third videos created were ‘How to Use a Refractometer’ and ‘How to Measure Temperature and Relative Humidity’. The videos and accompanying Technical Notes may be found at the same location as noted above.
Videos are relatively easy to make and can be utilized to convey principles of postharvest technology as well as to illustrate practical applications. Using the format of video with simple text overlays, they can be easily translated into different languages for use around the world, and this format uses only a minimal amount of bandwidth. Others are encouraged to create and post their own, specific to their own geographical location, commodity focus and postharvest practice of interest.
