Television - a new educational medium...

Television is one of the most effective mediums to educate the children. The people who blame television for children’s lack of education and communication are wrong. In fact, children are watching suitable programming, television is one of the most effective mediums through which to teach and inspire youngsters. We need to start speaking to children on their level, which means embracing technologies such as interactive TV and the internet to get them interested. We can learn a lot from innovators. It’s always that people give lots of importance to the negative aspect instead of the positive one. I don’t disagree that television also spoils the children mentally and physically, but on the same side it also educates, motivates them to a lot of extent.

Watching television is more accurately described as entertainment than play, but it is in reality a tool for both. Watching programs is one side of the picture; using the equipment for video games is another. Television helps in creativity, enhances imagination, etc. elders need to know what is good and what is bad for their child and help them accordingly. The educational value of what young kids watch on television may help improve their behavior. The first type of educational TV that most people think of most likely comes from channels such as the Discovery Channel or the History Channel. These channels generally are aimed towards adults, and are educational while still being entertaining. However, there are more types of education television than just this. There is educational television for children to help them learn the basics of the alphabet, and increase a child’s willingness. Another new trend is career specific channels. These channels focus on a very niche audience. The Aged Care Channel from Australia is one such channel. This channel shows programs that can both be supplemental and offer general advice to keep caregivers up to date, or it can be used to teach courses. This type of television course work is also being expanded to help educate students in remote areas that otherwise would not have access to higher quality education. Discovery Channel has set up the, which is an organization that helps spread education around the world to remote classrooms using the medium of television.

Television can be utilized as a great educational tool. Though not everything about the effect of television is understood in general, or specifically about its effects on young children, educational television seems to be appropriate in moderation, especially to help reinforce class work. Television also is a great tool in educating older teenagers and adults. In remote villages or a nursing home in India, it helps spread education to willing students. Television must be employed intelligently. If we consciously make decisions to use television responsibly, then great things can be accomplished.