SCHOOL TV NEWS
While my current school does not have
a school TV program, my old school briefly had a school news broadcast program
that I really enjoyed. It was a 10 minute monthly broadcast with news and
topics which were written primarily by the media specialist. As well, the media
specialist chose the news anchors and other student participants. Most of the
students worked on the broadcast for the entire year. The broadcast included reading the Pledge, Moment
of Silence, Announcements, news, lunch menu, “Today in the News”, and features such
as Black History trivia during National Black History Month.
The Orenco Elementary school TV
news was quite good. There are many segments that highlighted and recognized students
by calling their names out on air. The”Gotcha” and “Happy Birthday” segments in
particular were good way to spotlight students. I also noticed the broadcast rarely
showed adults- it was truly a show that featured the students. Even when there
was news and announcements written by teachers; they were read by the student
news anchors.
The Eisenhower Middle School ETV featured
a variety of students, not just students who are comfortable and seemed born to
be in front of the camera but also those students who seemed a little scared
and less comfortable. As well, I liked the “ETV Goes Wireless” segment which included
an interview with and demonstration by a teacher.
I think school TV news is a good technology
tool for schools and teachers to explore. At my current school, I am sure my principal
would not be open to having a TV news program because he feels like such activities
take the focus away from the goal of improving academics at a struggling inner
city school. However, I think that with a little effort schools can make school
TV news programs a win-win for students and administration. It could be as
simple as incorporating a segment that reviewed general classrooms lessons and/or
skills.
School announcements in my school are done twice daily- before and after school. I absolutely hate the afterschool announcements as it interferes with the closing of my instructional day. Announcements are overseen by the Student Government Association. There are a few key senior students that make the announcements every day. The format of our daily announcements is routine and leads to students ignoring the contents. We present announcements the old-fashioned way-the PA system. I think a school new program that presents news, student accomplishments, and other interesting tidbit is a great way to engage students in public speaking. Additionally, I think it supports the CCSS speaking and reading standards. Thus, I don’t understand how principals don’t support a school news program.
ReplyDeleteI think school TV news is a good technology tool for schools and teachers to explore. At my current school, I am sure my principal would not be open to having a TV news program because he feels like such activities take the focus away from the goal of improving academics at a struggling inner city school. However, I think that with a little effort schools can make school TV news programs a win-win for students and administration. It could be as simple as incorporating a segment that reviewed general classrooms lessons and/or skills.
ReplyDeleteAt my school we do not have a school TV Program either. We barely have a video distribution system that works to show DVDs and VHS’s school wide. Teachers have asked about other options, but so far the school has not wanted to budget the time or the funds into the project. Hopefully, when we move to the new school more options will become available. Our school likes the idea of a news program, but does not like the idea of spending that extra time a day watching the morning program/news cast. Right now our announcements are given over the intercom in the morning and afternoon. This is not a great system since a lot of times in the morning students are still coming in the classroom and during the afternoon we are trying to get packed up and ready for the busses. I think it would be great to have a lunch time show that maybe students watch right when they come back in from lunch. It could be recorded in the morning and then played at the appropriate time for each grade level. Maybe what we need to get a TV news program in our schools is some extra thinking outside of the box…
I have worked in schools with school news broadcasts and schools without. I must say I have always enjoyed the school news programs especially those comprised of just students. It is a tough job and difficult to run all year I'm sure. I think students enjoy seeing other students on tv and I actually think they might listen better when other students are giving announcements. There is so much that can be done with announcement shows and so many schools that do it well. I think a successful broadcast isn't out of anyone's reach.
ReplyDeletePamela,
ReplyDeleteYou brought up some really great points regarding having a news tv broadcast system. I really liked your point about only featuring students. I have never really thought about that before, but at our school we do the same. The students read the news that might be written by teachers, but it soley focuses on them. I too find this to be an important aspect because the students get the opportunity to fail and figure our how to better themselves. The technology teacher at my school also lets the students run the camera, edit the film, and cut the video to play each day. It is great hands on activities. I wish your principal now would be more understanding. I feel like everything is about data and scores. In reality, real world problem solving and activities might help them achieve more in life than taking an extra test.
I love the idea of featuring the students. This is a great way to not only teach communication skills, but this also makes it personal for the students to see their peer and it can help with building self esteem. The students are also exposed to the technology used to broadcast the show. This is an excellent program for students. My mentor does a broadcast daily. She takes on a lot. They also do the pledge and morning announcements. She doesn't feature the students, however, I do plan to share this with her.
ReplyDelete