Cable in the Classroom, a non-profit, public service initiative by Canadian cable companies and programming services has been in use by teachers for over four years. Launched in 1995, Cable in the Classroom provides commercial-free, copyright-cleared educational programs free of charge to public schools across the country.
The fact that local cable companies contribute free cable installation and service to eligible schools has been much appreciated by educators with shrinking budgets. Once the cable is in place, the school has free access to some of the best programs available from networks including TV5, Arts and Entertainment, The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, CBC Newsworld, History Television, CNN, YTV, MuchMusic, The Life Network, TFO and TSN.
The only mandatory learning curve to be overcome is the programming of a VCR (ugh!). Most of the programming supplied by Cable in the Classroom airs in the middle of the night. Teachers record the programs of interest to them, and then use them to support the curriculum. Helpful lesson plans and other resources are available for much of the programming, and most are easily accessible on the web.
Teacher-librarians are obviously valuable partners in the use of Cable in the Classroom programming. They can help tape desired programming and organize a CITC videotape library, acting as an information specialist and a partner in action.
For educators striving to provide "live event" learning opportunities and real audiences for student learning, Cable in the Classroom is also an excellent resource. Its YTV network airs DIY (Do It Yourself) video editorials created by students. CNN Newsroom broadcasts student-produced videos. What a great way to culminate video production classes!
If you are familiar with the Canadian Cable in the Classroom magazine, you are aware of its value. The magazine, along with the web site, provides readers with a schedule and descriptions of all Cable in the Classroom programs. It also features engaging articles written for and by teachers. In order to receive the latest issue of the Cable in the Classroom magazine, contact your local cable company. For more information about Cable in the Classroom, contact the national office at 1-800-244-9049 or checkout the web site at www.cableducation.ca.
Always refer to the official Cable in the Classroom schedule of programming in the magazine, on the web site or on the Cable in the Classroom "Next Week" program which airs Sunday (5:45 PM Eastern) and Monday (6:45 AM Eastern) on the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC). Educators have a choice of over 360 hours of quality, copyright-cleared programming per month.
Clear instructions on how to use Cable in the Classroom properly can be found at the beginning of the magazine. For further assistance, contact the national office for information about a resource person or training workshop in your area.
One method of obtaining a top quality television for your school is to participate in Cable in the Classroom's A&E Canadian Teacher Grant. This program awards teachers with the most innovative lesson plans using Arts & Entertainment Network programming. Prizes include $2000. (cash) for the teacher. The award winner's school receives an A&E Library Theatre (colour TV, VCR, and a collection of A&E videos). For more information, have a look in the Cable in the Classroom magazine or contact the national office.
Mike Budd, mike_budd@gecdsb.on.ca
Teacher-Consultant, Greater Essex County DSB
Region 3 Coordinator, OSSTF Educational Services Committee