Teaching television in schools differs from movies or plays primarily in how accessible and immediate the content is for students. Here are some key distinctions:
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Accessibility: Television is often more readily available to students than movies or plays. Most students have access to TVs and streaming services at home, making it easier for them to engage with television content outside of a classroom setting. This accessibility can lead to a higher likelihood of students having prior exposure to various shows, good or bad, making it more familiar to them.
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Engagement with Serious Topics: Television has evolved to address a wide range of serious and sometimes controversial topics in a way that often feels more relevant and relatable to young audiences. Shows such as “Breaking Bad” or “The Handmaid's Tale” can delve into complex issues like addiction, morality, and societal norms that resonate with contemporary life, sparking meaningful discussions among students.
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Monitoring and Censorship: Movies and plays typically go through more extensive review and editing processes, especially for educational contexts, whereas television shows might not be as rigorously scrutinized for school use. This can result in content that is more graphic or mature slipping through the cracks in educational settings, leading to potential concerns about age appropriateness.
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Perception of Appropriateness: There is often a perception that television is more appropriate for students, as it may have been historically viewed as entertainment rather than a serious medium for study. This notion can lead educators to underestimate the impact or the raw nature of the content in certain shows, complicating the conversation around the suitability of teaching television in schools.
Overall, while movies and plays also engage with mature themes, the visual immediacy and cultural familiarity of television present unique challenges and considerations for inclusion in educational curricula.