Television is frequently condemned for its useless programming and violent content. However, there is a wealth of entertainment programs on television that have education
Often television programs deemed as educational are not suitable for viewing whether it be for the poor production standards or lack of educational matter. Programs produced for entertainment purposes sometimes contain more educational value than the programs produced for education. Use common sense to shift through educational programs and entertainment television to assist you in your teaching objectives for the year.
Television use should be limited in the classroom, but if you do choose to use television in your classroom, here are a four award-wining programs that will liven up your classroom and motivate young learners. Use these Emmy winners as valuable tools in sixth grade through higher learning to bring the world to your classroom.
American Masters is a series on PBS that was created in 1984. This show dedicates its programming to the arts celebrating creativity and innovation in America. American Masters serves as a valuable teaching tool because it delves into the lives, works, and creative processes of America’s most prolific musicians, artists and writers while documenting the influence of important movements, individuals and groups. With over 250 hours of programming, it also serves as a film library for educators to use in exposing students to the phenomenal artistry that shaped America’s cultural identity. American Masters can be used as a supplement to any art, music or literature program.
If you haven’t heard of Biography by now, you must be living under a rock. Unbeknownst to most people, Biography originally aired in 1962 as a CBS production hosted by Mike Wallace. The A&E Network re-ran the show as a documentary series and started producing their own episodes when they ran out of original episodes. Because of its success, a cable network of the same name was formed based on the series. This phenomenal series features in-depth profiles of extraordinary people from every walk of life. What makes Biography unique is its attention to detail and historical accuracy. The show puts you in the middle of the action by allowing insiders to make observations and comments on the life and times of these captivating history makers.
Bring stories and history to life with the award-winning Passport to Europe and Passport to Latin America. Both Travel Channel shows hosted by Samantha Brown are lifestyle programs that trail the charming woman’s journies to popular cities such as Paris, London, Rome, Berlin, and Prague in addition to less popular tourist destinations such as Bath-Avon, Sardinia, Bavaria, and Edinburgh. The witty and upbeat Samantha Brown tours the most popular landmarks in each city as well as takes the unbeaten path to expose unknown history and culture. While Samantha interacts with the locals, the viewer will positively learn about unique restaurants, museums and shopping venues. The program even incorporates subtitles if necessary. Carefully preview each half hour episode for sensitive material prior to playing in class. Some episodes feature wine and beer consumption. Additionally, foods that are typically viewed as unorthodoxed to the American palate may be featured. One memorable episode, featured Samantha Brown eating horse meat, a delicacy in Verona, Italy. In some circles, educators may see these little anomalies as enhancing the educational validity of the program. Passport to Europe/Latin America are useful resources for any social studies, art, or literature class.
One of the most influential shows on television today is also one of the most overlooked educational tools available in TV land. The Oprah Winfrey Show also known as Oprah is an American icon. This nationally syndicated talk show, hosted and produced by Oprah Winfrey is not only the highest-rated talk show in American history, it is also the longest-running daytime television talk show in the United States. At first taking on a sensationalistic Phil Donahue-style, Oprah is now more uplifting and positive with celebrity appearances and self-improvement episodes. TV Guide's 2002 49th greatest show of all time offers a plethora of educational material on a daily basis. Oprah’s shows on the state of education in America can be used in college education courses. Health summits with Dr. Oz may serve as introductory aids in health or beginning medical classes. Programs on self-esteem and sex can be used in combination with middle and high school sex education courses. The motivational content on the show is unmatched to anything on television. Your female students can be motivated watching the enigmatic host sit down for heart-to-hearts with young role models such as Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Mandy Moore. Male students can receive the same benefit watching similar programs with compelling male guests. Participation in her social programs serves as educational tools to boot. Extensions of the program such as Oprah’s Book Club, The Angel Network and The Wildest Dream Tour have led to increased environmental awareness and unprecedented philanthropic success.
Let’s face it; today’s students are distracted by technology. Why not use technology to draw them in? The next time you sit down to think about how to motivate your students, consider television programs. You need to find something they can relate to and you want to fascinate them. Use television responsibly to accomplish this. Preview it for appropriateness first. Don’t sit there and have students stare at the tube. Make it interactive. Stop the video when necessary and lecture at key points. Don’t be afraid to try it. Responsibly incorporating television into your lectures can be the difference between listening to students snore for an hour and watching eyes dazzle with inquisitiveness for a lifetime.
