Reviving a previous idea, but using TV would be better than computers if we have to do remote schooling

[Kokeshi123]

This was floated on a previous thread back in the spring, but:

If we had no choice other than to do blended learning, TVs might well be a better medium than the internet.

Put Oak. style filmed lessons and mini lectures/explanations on BBC channels (it is a public service, after all--this is what we have public services for) and then distribute standardized and centrally produced worksheets correlated with the content. To be done in paper format, the old fashioned way. No computer required. Teachers would only have the job of collecting and checking work, doing feedback and making contact individually with pupils and families to offer advice.

Virtually every family has a TV set, so this guarantees access without requiring multiple devices or a certain level of internet speed or quality, and does not create conflict with parents who also need to use devices and internet access to WFH.

The TV content could also be streamed online for the small number of families who have a computer but no TV. Very very few people have no TV and no other devices either; the few that do are likely to be fairly "alternative" types who will most likely be doing their own version of homeschooling in any case.

I don't know if UK TVs allow parents to control which channels can be selected, but if this is possible, it also avoids the problems caused by the huge amount of distraction created when children are handed internet-enabled devices.

This is sort of roughly what happened in much of Japan, where I live. Pen and paper worksheets, plus TV for lesson stuff (NHK, in our case). It was not perfect, but it was frankly better than trying to get multiple-laptops-per-household-plus-fast-internet-for-all sorted out in about 10 seconds flat.

"TV" has an outdated image compared to online learning, but I think it is perhaps the "least terrible" solution if we have no choice other than to close schools.

[echt]

Have a look at this. Ignore the headline and scroll down to the bit about BBC provision:

www.theguardian.com/education/2020/nov/02/catch-up-plan-pupils-england-fall-far-short-headteachers-national-tutoring

It might address some of the ideas you raise.

[katkit]

Agreed- was crying out for that.

[WinnieTheW0rm]

How would this work for years 10-13, who are on slightly different syllabuses for different exam boards, who do not necessarily do the topics in the same order, and who have broken off at different points ?

Especially the linked article says BBC is looking at content only up to end of year 6

Where will all the secondary content come from?

[echt]

It might address some of the ideas you raise

I was trying to help. Sort of thing.

[NeurotrashWarrior]

Older years should be able to self study to a point - well designed study guides such as letts and (the other one I can't remember but is used everywhere and all ages).

If I remember correctly the bbc had really good films on more complex thing such as science for older ages. At that age mini lectures and note taking should be introduced imo. Easier as they can at least pause! I appreciate that waiting for it to appear on tv is harder though at that age.

There's such a wealth of tv and things on YouTube that's bound to be useful; it just needs an extremely good curating system and search function so that a teacher could easily find what's needed.

The amount my 7 yr son has learnt about history from horrible histories is ridiculous. And operation ouch etc. He's missing the methodology but imo that's better dealt with when older.

Schools need to tap into programmes such as white rose, reading eggs or doodle maths, nessy and many more for maths and reading as that's pitched at the right level for the child. Programmes that give feedback to staff etc.

Unfortunately it needs devices which may not reach some pupils. Those are the pupils I worry about. The bbc did have some great animations and clips for spelling and grammar and maths though.

The magic school bus on Netflix is blooming amazing for science, quite hard too!

[Qasd]

No education needs to be interactive to be effective, you can out a video up explaining algebra but if the kids don’t get it you don’t know so your next video explaining advanced algebra is useless (you also have no means with tv in knowing if anyone is accessing anything).

If schools shut then education needs to be live and in line with teachers delivering lessons over zoom, teams etc. When people he tout us school closures as a model to be followed here it’s worth noting that for four different friends in four different states live online lessons are standard in all of their state schools unless I am to believe it’s only British kids without technology then it’s possible.

[Qasd]

And older children should not be self studying while teachers are paid in full!!!

We don’t expect that if uni students who are being provided with online lectures why should school kids be so short changed!

[riotlady]

How would students ask questions about the work if they don’t understand? Would they have no interaction with the teacher aside from marked worksheets? That sounds very hard for younger ones

[Kokeshi123]

Most state schools did not do live interactive lessons--any online learning was usually limited to prerecorded videos. So nothing that could not be put on TV anyway.