Television in Education: Possibilities and Obstacles

Abstract

Considering the crucial status of the world, it is imperative that modern education catch up with the twentieth century. Today human beings throughout the world are beset by complex problems-economic, political, industrial, racial, and personal. The past does not afford any simple guide to the solution of the profound difficulties that face us. what source is the public to get the proper understanding of issues that surround us? An elementary knowledge of the lives of our great leaders, which will indicate to us how they met the problems of their own times? A better knowledge of the history of our country and of how we became a great nation? A knowledge of the propaganda techniques of our enemies, which will enable each of us to analyze propaganda and learn how to reach the truth? A knowledge of hygiene for everyday living? A better understanding and appreciation of one's self and of other people? The answer is, From television. The educational possibilities of television are tremendous. It can supply information that will aid in finding answers to some of our perplexing problems. It is tailor-made for adult education at home. It can help individuals develop skills for aesthetic and creative living and can provide insights into the professional fields. It can provide new opportunities for shut-ins to interest themselves in community and world affairs. It can b ing exciting and worth-while happenings to classroom or living-room as those events occur. The varied interests and needs of students, housewives, men and women in business, doctors, lawyers, labor-union members, farmers, and innumerable others can be met by well-conceived programs. Music, drama, exhibits in the art museum, the great variety of cultural and educational opportunities that this country possesses ca be brought into the classroom and the living-room. As a supplement to the work of the t a her, thoughtful television programs direct d to the needs of the school community could make a valuable contribution to classroom instruction. Television should be used