Lecturing v. conversation

Well said, Indexed.

Comments

[Kevin Makice]

1.

I really get tired of the mis-perception of television as this passive anti-learning medium. While it is certainly true that there is crap being broadcast, it is absolutely false that quality programming isn't available. Throw in TiVo age of on-demand content and a penchant for "active viewing" that includes making use of the fast-forward button to skip the commercials, and the quality rises significantly.

Like any technology, use is going to dictate effectiveness. If one only manages to figure out the on/off button and camps out on a sofa for hours of undiscerning viewing, the simplistic description of the ills of television come true. If, on the other hand, viewing is done as a social practice (families or co-workers), then it becomes not only an important cultural marker that bonds generations together, but also a key catalyst for discussion ... which ultimately is the greatest form of learning.

I get the point of the graphic, but it is very telling that three of the activities with some redeeming value are all actions and the one that is easy to condemn is a device. As some furry monster might say on Sesame Street: One of these things is not like the other.

[Rick]

2.

Absolutely. I'm starring this one, sharing it, AND adding it to my del.icio.us list.

[ken]

3.

Where's Neil Postman when you need him?

[David Robb]

4.

I'd like to piggyback off of Kevin's comment.

First, isn't listening part of watching television?

Second, television can be an active learning experience. I have conversations with my two year daughter when she watches TV. Many times she points to things and says, "What's that?" I'll answer and sometimes follow up with my own question like, "What color is that?" I credit our conversations around television for many of the words in Morgan's ever increasing vocabulary.

[Steve Henneberry]

5.

Well found.

As to TV, I love watching the Discovery and National Geographic channels with my kids. I think that there is a lot to be learned there, especially since we discuss the programs while we watch them. Also, as we live in Japan, TV is nearly the only other source of English for my kids besides me...