Educational Technology Innovation and Impact/Edutainment/Educational Television Programs for Children

The British Broadcasting Corporation, otherwise known as the BBC brings it to our attention that Education is at the heart of many of children’s programmes aired on TV. For example from Bite-size revision for GCSE students and schools TV to learning through play programmes the BBC argues that it makes learning more enjoyable and relevant to children of all ages (BBC Website 2006)

CBeebies is a good example and has a number of stimulating programmes built around the national pre-school curriculum. It helps pre-school children to play along and learn through watching their favourite characters on screen. Tikkabilla is one good example of this as it encourages children to join in singing, dancing and make-and-do activities grouped around early learning topics such as “where I live” and telling the time. Big Cook Little Cook is another excellent example and is the first pre-school cookery show that teaches children how to make healthy and fun food.

The National Literacy Trust commissioned a study into how educational children’s programmes can benefit a child’s literacy development. The review found that television can enhance many aspects of children's language, particularly for children between the ages of two and five, depending on quality and age-appropriateness of the content, and parent/carer interactions during and after viewing. Educational television, such as Sesame Street, has been found to enhance vocabulary, comprehension and expressive language development in pre-schoolers. It has been suggested in American research that pre-schoolers are not exposed to enough educational television, which can prepare them for school. (Literacy Trust website 2006)

For older children, there are programmes on the CBBC Channel that encourage 6–12 year olds to find things out for fun, exploring their existing interests or even developing new ones. Children are given the chance to explore new hobbies and build on their talents, such as cookery with Planet Cook or art with Smart.

Children with learning difficulties can take advantage of a programme called Something Special. This is designed to offer new and exciting ways to communicate for children with learning difficulties. It uses Makaton and a character called Mr Tumble teaches young children and their parents and carers to sign along to stories, songs and activities, and encourages children of all abilities to play together.

Other programmes such as Grange Hill have helped children understand social issues and the storylines have tackled drugs, rape and teenage pregnancy.

References; http://web.archive.org/web/20050629081745/http://www.bbc.co.uk/thefuture/text/children_bpv.html (accessed 3 May 2006) www.literacytrust.org.uk/pubs/close (accessed 3 May 2006)