'In the UK we spend too much time watching TV.' This statement got me thinking. In general, people do watch a lot of TV and maybe TV is trying to be more educational. Is it possible TV is aiming at educational people in the UK.
If we think of our 'compulsary' subjects of Maths, English and Science can Tv help to cover these subjects.
English
What can I say about English.....Countdown! The first ever program on channel 4 designed to teach spelling and mental maths.
Another two programmes helping with our English education are Jeremy Kyle and Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. Sometimes seeing something being done wrong helps us see our own mistakes. If young people are learning about spoken English where better to see 'how not to do it' than on these two?
Science
Again we look towards Jezza Kyle. He teaches us, at least once a week that if you don't want a baby then use protection. There's Biology covered!
There are hundreds of things on TV teaching us about how the planet works, how the world was created etc. And its more exciting than a text book.
Big Bang Theory - need I say more!
Maths
Do you remember when we had 4 TV channels? BBC1, BBC2, ITV and Channel 4. That in itself is not very educational however look at the number of channels we have now. Every day I seem to see an advert advertising a new TV channel. Again, I hear you asking how can having a lot of TV channels be educational? It can't! But look at the names of the channels......
Watching television on a Saturday evening I saw an advert telling me all about a new channel...ITV1+1. I remember when it was called ITV2. Now they are aiming simple maths and young children, making them do the maths before knowing what channel they are watching.
For more advanced mathematics we can look to E4 and E4+1. If thats not algebra I don't know what is. I've heard a rumour there is soon to be a E4+1=21(find E) channel.
I think that if you look you will find a TV channel or show that covers any subject within the National Curriculum. This article has been a short introduction to TV as an educator. I will leave you to discover your own educational TV.
Conclusion
Teachers - Buy a large TV for your classroom wall - spend your time recording all programmes linked to your subject
Parents - Buy a large TV. When your child comes home from school with homework, rather than pretending you can help put then in front of the TV.
Educators and Parents of the World - Unite!! - Let's give children a perfect start.
NB. The views expressed above are not my own and have been created for entertainment purposes
