If you could somehow transport a turn of the century doctor into a modern hospital, the bewildered time-traveler would be unable to function amongst the dizzying array of new technologies. Transplant a turn of the of the century teacher, however, and they would probably feel right at home in most contemporary American classrooms. As we approach the Twenty-First Century, most schools are sadly still reminiscent of the little red school house of old.
Television has the undeniable power to inform and inspire.
Media and education professionals are working together to put the power and potential of video into the hands of creative and well-prepared teachers. With the aid of television, students and teachers can access new and immediate information about the world and engage in dynamic discussions, problem-solving and research activities. Rather than a replacement for classroom literature, video technology serves as an additional text, taking students places no field trip or textbook could take them. It also supports reading by piquing children's interest in a wide variety of topics. Studies in the past have shown that teachers are hungry to use instructional technologies but lacked the training to use it effectively with their students.