Cable Operator Websites
Bresnan's website offers information to parents and teachers alike about the educational initiatives we are taking in the communities we serve.
Our site includes information about Cable in the Classroom, the new television ratings system and media literacy workshops we offer in our communities.
Bresnan also offers information about the 50 some educational institutions we have connected with interactive television and Distance Learning networks through our fiber optic systems. And our promise to provide high-speeed data communications via cable modems to any school reached by our two-way Internet service network, free of charge.
Also, check out our high-speed Internet service, BresnanLink, at www.bresnan.net, now available in communities across the mid-west.
For information on company-wide activies, call Bresnan Corporate Public Affairs at (914) 993-6600.
Includes links to Cable in the Classroom, A&E, AMC, C-SPAN, CNN, Discovery, Disney, ESPN, HBO, Headline News, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon, Showtime, TLC, USA, and The History Channel.
Contact Anita Lamont, Charter Communications, 12444 Powerscourt Drive, St. Louis, MO 63131.
Website devoted to K-12 students and teachers. Award winning site has links to key curriculum subjects as well as lesson plans for teachers.
Website that includes pages for Cable in the Classroom, Cox's Multimedia Academy and Line to Learning program.
Cox's Multimedia Academy provides participants with the training to learn how to use technology and multimedia applications in the classroom. Attendees return to school ready to use technology in the classroom and teach others to use these applications in new and effective ways.
For more information on Cox's Multimedia Academy email to multimedia.academy@cox.com or call Virginia Stretcher, Director of Multimedia Academy at 800-493-4011.
Falcon Cable TV has been a part of the Cable in the Classroom program since its inception in 1989. We provide 540 hours of commercial-free programming each week to more than 1400 schools in our regions, reaching over 700,000 students. We also provide each school with Cable in the Classroom programming guides and Cable in the Classroom Magazine each month.
Falcon sponsors numerous local community and/or educational events. Recently, Falcon sponsored the anti-drug campaign Don't Trash Your Brain, as well as dance workshops and art tutorials. For the past two years, Falcon has also organized Mr. Wizard science assembly tours that have cumulatively reached over 33,000 students, all free of charge to the school. Falcon is committed to an ongoing involvement in education.
If you have any questions or need any more information, please contact us at education@falconcable.com or try our webpage at www.falconcable.com.
Jones Intercable/Jones Communications
Jones Intercable and Jones Communications (www.jic.com) are proud to support education in the communities we serve. For almost ten years , Jones has provided wiring and cable television programming to elementary and secondary schools at no cost as part of our Watch & Learn initiative. Additionally, Jones' parent company, Jones International, has more than 20 companies in the education and communications industries, including: Knowledge TV (www.jec.edu), televisions's only network dedicated to providing knowledge which empowers individuals to propel their own lives; College Connection (www.jec.edu/cc/), a distance education vehicle delivering college courses, degree programs, and professional training through the Internet, cable television and videotape, and the International University (www.international.edu), an independent, degree-granting virtual university.
Will provide 40 scholarships to teachers for extensive multimedia and Internet training for the '97-'98 school year year at the ETC Training Center in Denver. Training consists of three days of Train the Trainer programs so that teachers can use their new skills in the classroom.
Includes links to Cable in the Classroom, The Family and Community Critical Viewing Project, Cable in the Classroom Magazine, the PTA and media literacy information in Oregon.
Contact Jonene Bernhardt, Paragon Cable, 3075 NE Sandy Boulevard, Portland, OR 97232-2483
Phone: 503-230-2099 Fax: 503-731-5508
In addition to information on Bedford Cablevision, this website offers connectivity to local community sites including local schools.
Rifkin also offers 21st Century Teacher Awards for educators and schools for equipment, cash and a trip to the ETC (Education Technology Center) for winning a nationwide contest for using technology in the classroom.
Contact Dave Eck, Rifkin & Associates, Inc., 360 S. Monroe Street, Denver, CO 80209
Phone: 303-333-1215 Fax: 303-322-3553
This website provides a link for teachers featuring a monthly newsletter, contest information, event updates and Cable in the Classroom information for the schools in local services areas. (TBD - September)
Southwestern Cable TV offers Time Warner Cable's 46 page resource guide to help teachers learn about and use cable television and the Internet in their classrooms.
Contact Jean Westfall, Southwestern Cable, 8949 Ware Court, San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: 619-635-8464 Fax: 619-635-8779
Suburban Cable on-line offers information for educators on their education page. Teachers can find the latest publications, news on contests and educational programs and sign up on-line for Cable in the Classroom and critical viewing workshops. There is also information on Suburban Cable, Suburban's cable modem launches, fiber optic technology and links to other channels that cater to teachers.
Suburban Cable's Scholars Program
This scholarship program has awarded more than $280,000 to graduating high school seniors in local service areas. Criteria are academic achievement, leadership, community service and communication skills. In 1997, 50 students received a total of $87,500. Grants range from $1,000 to $3,500. Entry period: January and February.
Suburban Cable's Mr. Wizard Contest
To encourage elementary student's interest in science, Suburban Cable awarded Mr. Wizard science assemblies to six elementary schools in local service areas. The 1998 contest will run in February and March.
For more information contact Lee Javens, Suburban Cable, 200 Cresson Boulevard, Oaks, PA 19456
Phone: 610-650-1135 Fax: 610-650-1131
Educational website showcasing TCI's educational training center and the many multimedia applications available.
Time Warner, Inc.
This website features, news, personalities, money and business, sports, entertainment, net culture and "Living" from Time, Inc. Magazines. Other features include information for Kids, Time for Kids and the Pathfinder Kids Network.
Time Warner also offers educators a video and 46-page resource guide to help teachers make better use of cable television and the Internet in the classroom. For more information contact your local Time Warner Cable Company or Bonnie Hathaway, Time Warner Cable, 290 Harbor Drive, Stamford, CT 06902 (Phone: 203-328-0620 Fax: 203-328-4887)
Time Warner's high-speed cable on-line service called called Road Runner provides
graphically-rich local and national information and entertainment on-line content.
CABLE IN THE CLASSROOM:
Providing Commercial-Free Educational Programming to America's Students and Teachers
Founded in 1989, Cable in the Classroom is the cornerstone of the cable industry's commitment to education. Participating cable companies have agreed to wire schools passed by their systems for free; while cable networks have agreed to provide curriculum-based, commercial-free educational material. To date, more than 8,500 local cable systems have provided free cable hook-ups and free monthly service to 78,00 schools in all 50 states - or roughly 75 percent of all K-12 schools. 38 cable networks provide teachers and students with more than 540 hours per month of educational, commercial-free programming that covers virtually all disciplines and issues. All told, Cable in the Classroom represents an investment of over $420 million by the cable television industry to enhance the resources available for teachers, students and their schools for improving education.
Other highlights of Cable in the Classroom include:
- Cable in the Classroom programming reaches more than 82 percent of all US students -- or more than 41 million students nationwide -- giving 4 out of 5 students access to Cable in the Classroom services.
- Teachers are able to use Cable in the Classroom programming any way they
choose -- there are no viewing requirements and programming is copyright-cleared so that
teachers, media specialists or volunteers can tape selected programs for school use.
- Cable in the Classroom
members provide curriculum-related support materials and help expand and improve teacher resources. Thousands of free teacher training workshops have been offered by local cable companies, and the national Cable in the Classroom office helps teachers make the most of cable's resources. - In a May 1996 survey, 73 percent of elementary and secondary school teachers who
use media in their classrooms reported using at least one of the cable programming
services provided by Cable in the Classroom.
- Cable in the Classroom
gives teachers and students access to many of the services on the Internet with its Web site, www.ciconline.org.- Cable in the Classroom
publishes Cable in the Classroom magazine, a monthly resource, programming, and planning guide for teachers to use as they incorporate cable programming into their lesson plans.
Copyright clearances for Cable in the Classroom programming are indicated as follows:
(FREE): Unrestricted use for educational purposes
(YEAR): Show within one year
(# YRS): Show within the stated number of years
Cable in the Classroom Basics
Cable in the Classroom is a public service that seeks to match the resoucres of the cable television industry with the needs of schools. To bring high quality, curriculum-based, educational technology to classrooms, member cable companies and networks provide an array of services.
Over 8,500 cable company members provide free installation and basic cable service to state approved, K-12 public and private schools in their service areas. Many members offer additonal assistance such as workshops and award programs.
38 network members air over 540 hours of commercial-free, educational programming every month.
Member networks also create study guides and other support materials to help teachers integrate educational programs into their curricula.
Cable in the Classroom programs are copyright-cleared for at least one year, so that teachers, media specialists, or community volunteers can tape selected programs for school use.
Cable in the Classroom magazine lists programs by subject area, provides sources for obtaining support materials, and features articles about how innovative educators are using the power of cable television in their classrooms. Many member cable companies offer complimentary subscriptions to the schools they serve. Subscriptions are $20 per year and are available by calling 1-800-216-2225.
The Cable in the Classrroom Web site (www.ciconline.org) links educators to member cable companies and networks, and opens the door to on-line resources. A searchable database helps teachers match their grade levels and curriculum to specific cable programs.
Many member cable companies work with schools to help them achieve their long-term technology goals. Check with your local cable company.
The Cable in the Classroom staff is on hand to answer your questions and to hear your ideas. Call 1-800-743-5355 or e-mail us at cicofc@aol.com.
Cable in the Classroom Programming, Programmer Websites, and Additional Educational Resources and Information
A&E Network (A&E) features the original "Biography" series, mysteries and specials.
- A&E Classroom, designed to enhance literature, humanities and social studies curricula, airs Monday-Friday from 7:00-8:00 a.m. ET (YEAR).
- Support materials are available by request each fall and spring. Materials include program descriptions, discussion questions, and project ideas.
- Additional activities are available on-line at: www.aetv.com.
America's Health Network (AHN) offers health and medical information presented in a caring and compelling manner. Medical content support is provided by the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Health and science educators will want to watch for:
- Cable in the Classroom programming under development which will address health and science curriculum topics and be accompanied by comprehensive study guides.
- Go With the Flow: The Story of Your Blood, airing Fall, 1997. A free Go With the Flow video and supporting materials will be available upon request.
- AHN'S Web site, now under construction.
Animal Planet
Animal Planet is a new network from the people who bring you the Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel which features "all animals all the time."
- Acorn the Nature Nut airs weekdays at 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. ET (YEAR). Animal Planet Channel biologist and nature writer John Acorn explains how to use a microscope, take pictures, and make videos in the wilderness. Each week he uncovers the secrets of moths, butterflies, fish, frogs, worms, and ants in programs full of educational and entertaining content.
- Additional information and teaching ideas are available on-line at: school.discovery.com.
Black Entertainment Television
Black Entertainment Television (BET) recognizes the importance of taking responsibility for our youth by providing teachers with the best educational resources available.
- BET on Learning presents Teen Summit, highlighting social and personal development issues of interest to teenagers, on the last Sunday of each month at 3 a.m. ET (YEAR).
- Support materials for BET programming are included in Emerge magazine.
- Additional information is available on-line at: www.msbet.com.
Bravo, the Film and Arts Network
Bravo in the Classroom combines programming and resource materials that provide educators and students with tools to enhance arts and humanities studies at the secondary level. Programs include literary and historical adaptations, the performing and visual arts, plus a profile series featuring well known writers, musicians, and artists.
- Bravo in the Classroom airs each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET (YEAR).
- Support materials are included in Cable in the Classroom magazine every other month.
- Additional resources are available on-line at: www.bravotv.com.
The Cartoon Network
The Cartoon Network offers the best in animated entertainment from the world's largest cartoon library.
- Big Bag, the critically-acclaimed preschool series produced by Children's Television Workshop, airs Sundays at 8:00 a.m. (FREE); beginning January, 1998, Big Bag will air weekday mornings. Big Bag nurtures creative thinking and the development of pro-social behavior. Free Big Bag activity booklets are available by calling 1-800-344-6219.
- Animate Your World is a public service campaign designed to inspire students to explore their individuality and creativity and to fuel learning in all disciplines. For a free classroom kit call 1-800-344-6219.
C-SPAN
C-SPAN, the Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network, is a public service of the cable television industry offering gavel-to-gavel coverage of the House of Representatives, Senate, and other public policy proceedings.
All C-SPAN and C-SPAN2 produced programming is commercial-free and copyright-cleared for use in the classroom and may be retained in perpetuity (FREE). C-SPAN in the Classroom is the network's free membership service for teachers. Teachers can enroll by calling the educator hotline at 1-800-523-7586 or visiting the classroom section of C-SPAN's website at www.c-span.org. C-SPAN in the Classroom offers members teaching guides, support materials, scheduling information, and grant and fellowship opportunities.
C-SPAN's website (www.c-span.org) offers live video web coverage of the House and Senate, audio archives of regularly scheduled programming, and up to the minute schedlue information. It also offers unique information about the U.S. Congress including an on-line congressional directory, glossary, and question and answer section. The C-SPAN in the Classroom section offers a bulletin board for teachers to share ideas, special program alerts, lesson plans, and news.
Other educational sites include www.tocqueville.org which provides an overview of the C-SPAN School Bus Tovqueville tour. The tour traces the steps of Alexis de Tocqueville's 1831 visit to America and explores themes from his book, Democracy in America. The website offers a tour schedule, classroom lesson modules, information on the French author and links to the texts of his letters, journals, and book, Democracy in America. Members of C-SPAN in the Classroom can request a Tocqueville Educator's Kit, which includes lesson plans, background information, Tocqueville's day-to-day itinerary, and a classroom poster. The Tocqueville tour will end in February, 1998. This year, C-SPAN in the Classroom members can submit a successful teaching project using C-SPAN's Tocqueville programming or website to the annual Equipment-for-Education Grant Contest. One hundred winners will receive $500 worth of media equipment for their schools; four grand prize winners receive a trip to Tocqueville's France.
www.booknotes.org is a multimedia website featuring interviews from C-SPAN's program Booknotes, student viewer guides, book transcripts, information on the book publishing industry and an on-line slide show of autohors in their homes.
Court TV (CTN) offers live and taped coverage of actual courtroom trials from around the country in addition to programs that focus on law, social issues, and the legal system.
Choices & Consequences airs every Saturday morning at 4 a.m. ET (FREE). The program educates 10 to 15-year-olds about the consequences of violence, pranks, drugs, drinking, early pregnancy, etc. Choices & Consequences is developed in conjunction with Cable in the Classroom and the National Middle Schools Association.
- Curriculum materials are available via the educator hotline: 1-800-333-7649.
- Additional information is available on-line at: www.courttv.com/choices.
CNN
CNN programming includes in-depth coverage of major news stories and special reports on business, finance, medicine, nutrition, science, technology, weather, and entertainment.
CNN NEWSROOM & Worldview is a news and features program designed for the classroom.
- CNN NEWSROOM airs Monday-Friday at 4:30 a.m. ET (FREE) and includes a 15-minute review of the day's top news stories, plus special feature reports designed for cross-curricular applications.
- CNN NEWSROOM WorldView follows CNN NEWSROOM at 4:45 a.m. ET and adds 15-minutes of cultural and historic background related to world events reported from CNN's 23 international bureaus.
- Free enrollment includes a daily electronic teacher's guide available on the Internet at www.cnn.com/newsroom/guide.html, or learning.turner.com.
Discovery Communications, Inc.
Discovery Channel invites you to explore the world with quality, non-fiction programming.
- Assignment Discovery, a theme-based series with relevance across the curriculum, airs Monday-Friday from 9:00-10:00 a.m. ET/PT (YEAR). Programs are close-captioned and include vocabulary words, study questions and suggested readings.
- A free Discovery Networks teacher's guide is available by calling 1-800-321-1832.
- Additional information and teaching ideas are available on-line at: school.discovery.com.
Disney Channel, combining timeless classics with timely series and specials, features a broad range of entertainment for kids and families.
- Disney Channel's Cable in the Classroom programming is still in development.
- Study guides and teacher aids will be available for use with the programming.
- Visit Disney Channel on-line at www.disneychannel.com.
ESPN
ESPN offers a wide variety of high-quality, exclusive, original sports programs.
- Scholastic Sports America (SSA), airing Thursdays at 5:30 a.m. ET (FREE), is devoted to the achievements of high school athletes, both on and off the field.
- An SSA curriculum guide with suggested activities is available upon request.
- Additional information is available on-line at: espn.com.
- SportsFigures airs each Monday at 4:00 a.m. ET (FREE) and uses sports to help students see math and physics concepts in "real world" applications. A curriculum guide, available upon request, includes 16 teacher lesson plans with suggested activities for in and outside the classroom.
- College-bound high school seniors are invited to apply for ESPN's SportsFigures Scholarship.
- Additional information is available on-line at espn.com.
The Family Channel
The Family Channel offers 24-hour family programming including children's shows, original movies, original series, and health and exercise programming.
- Cable in the Classroom programming includes Apollo 11, The Ditchdigger's Daughters, and Mother Teresa. Refer to Cable in the Classroom magazine or call (757)459-6169 for air dates.
- Curriculum guides are available for each project upon request.
- Additional information is available on-line at: www.familychannel.com.
Food Network
The Food Network is for anyone who loves to eat. Programs invite viewers into the kitchen to cook fabulous meals for family and friends. All-star chefs and Hollywood celebrities share secrets ranging from barbecue feasts to chocolate desserts. Viewers enjoy nutrition shows, entertainment shows, live-cooking, travel shows, and even TV's only cooking game show.
- Cable in the Classroom programming is in development. Likely subject areas will include nutrition, health news, geographic and historical looks at foods and cooking techniques. Refer to Cable in the Classroom magazine for specific programs and exact dates/times.
Game Show Network (GSN) combines education and family fun featuring live, original programming plus the greatest collection of favorite game shows. The Kids and Family block features JEP! and Wheel 2000, kid-focused versions of popular, syndicated game shows.
- Wheel 2000 airs commercial-free on Fridays at 5:00 a.m. ET (YEAR).
- The program challenges children on subjects ranging from science and technology to history and geography.
- Visit the Game Show Network on-line at www.sony.com.
HBO
HBO is the world's leading premiere movie network.
- Educational projects include Faces of Addiction, a three-part series on substance abuse produced in association with the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation.
- Due to the nature of this network, its educational programming can only be exhibited in schools after obtaining specific written consent. Some video cassettes are available on a "lending library" basis. All requests should be made to HBO in writing.
- Additional information is available on-line at: www.homebox.com.
The History Channel
The History Channel features historical documentaries, movies and mini-series that bring history alive for both students and educators.
- The History Channel Classroom airs Monday-Friday from 8:00-9:00 a.m. ET (YEAR).
- The History Channel also offers free teaching materials each semester. The materials, available upon request, include program descriptions, discussion questions, and project ideas.
- Additional activities are available on-line at: www.historychannel.com.
Knowledge TV offers informational programming in four categories: Business Careers and Finance, Health, Global Culture and Language, and Computers and Technology.
- Achievement TV airs Sundays from 12:00-12:30 p.m. ET (YEAR). Each episode brings individuals who have shaped the history of the 20th century directly into the classroom.
- The Global Library Project features the 13-part series Communication: The Human Imperative, airing Sundays from 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET (YEAR). Each program explores the history of a specific communications tool.
- Curriculum materials for both programs are available by calling 1-800-525-7002, ext. 8715. Materials for Achievement TV specials are available on-line at: www.achievement.org. Materials for Communication: The Human Imperative are available at: www.jec.edu/knonline/glp.
Additionally, Knowledge TV is partnering with cable operators to bring the Teachers and Technology Scholarship to local communities across the Unites States. Students in schools served by the local cable operator are asked to nominate their teachers by explaining in an essay how their teachers use educational technology in the classroom. The winning educator is awarded a full-tuition scholarship for the Master's degree from The George Washington University, and the student who nominated the scholarship winner is awarded a new, multimedia computer. To learn more about the Teachers and Tecnology Scholarship, please call 1-800-525-7002 and ssk for the Affiliate Relations department.
Access "Knowledge On-line" at www.jec.edu from the Jones Education Connection (JEC) companies; including Knowledge TV, JEC College Connection and JEC Knowledge Store. For more information contact Jeff Baumgartner, JEC College Connection, P.O. Box 3309, Englewood, CO 80155-3309 at Phone: 800-525-7002 ext. 8715 Fax: 303-792-5608.
Lifetime Television presents contemporary, innovative programming of special interest to women. Biographies, documentaries, and current issues programs connect with a variety of curriculum topics.
- Lifetime in the Classroom airs the first and second Wednesday of each month at 4:00 a.m. ET/PT (YEAR).
- Programs include Intimate Portraits, featuring women in diverse fields. Breaking Through is a series of specials complementing Lifetime's public service commitment to women and girls in sports. This commitment also includes the Lifetime in the Classroom Academic/Athletic Scholarship program.
- Contact your local cable company for curriculum materials and scholarship information. Or visit Lifetime's Web site at www.lifetimetv.com.
The Learning Channel (TLC) offers people of all ages enjoyable, educational television programs.
- TLC Elementary School, designed for use in K-6 classrooms, airs Fridays at 11:00 a.m. ET (2 YRS) with segments appropriate for science, social studies, language arts and math curricula.
- Call TLC at 1-800-321-1832 to request a free teacher's guide.
- Additional information and teaching ideas are available on-line at: school.discovery.com.
MTV
MTV is the entertainment and information source for young adults. Its distinctive style keeps them plugged into news and issues, as well as into music, sports and style.
- MTV's Community of the Future classroom series, with connections to government, social studies, and personal development curricula, presents thought provoking programming on social issues that concern young people today. The 24-minute programs air every Monday morning at 4 a.m. ET/PT (YEAR).
- Lesson plans and programming information are available on-line at: www.hotlink.mtvn.com/cic/.
MTV's Community of the Future series presents substantive, thought-provoking programming from MTV's award-winning news department on topics including racism, the environment, drug abuse, politics and government, and features candid discussions with viewers who share their thoughts and perspectives on the issues that concern young people today. The curriculum subject matter is created in a way that young people can relate to and is presented from their perspective and is often presented by the viewers themselves. Support materials include discussion questions and suggested classroom activities.
CNBC offers the world's leading business news programming during the day, and broad-based news, talk, and entertainment programming during prime time. Weekends feature business, technology, and legal news magazines.
- CNBC in the Classroom airs on the first Sunday of every month at 4:30 a.m. ET (FREE).
- Teaching materials to accompany programs are available. CNBC's Cable in the Classroom programming is close-captioned for the hearing impaired.
- Additional information is available on-line at: www.cnbc.com.
CNBC also offers an Investment Primer, a guide to understanding investing and the ticker, along with a glossary of financial terms (available in late Oct. '97).
MSNBC at www.msnbc.com offers 24-hour international, national and local news and information from NBC News and Microsoft. It also provides a unique weather feature MSNBC Weather by Intellicast for local weather reports. Other teacher and education resources offered by MSNBC include their Safe Surfing Guide for parents, teachers and kids on safe Internet usage.
For more information, contact Kim Phillips, NBC Cable Networks, 2200 Fletcher Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, Phone: 201-585-6201.
NICKELODEON, the number-one network for kids, is dedicated exclusively to children's programming.
- Nickelodeon's classroom programming links to elementary science, current events and astronautics. Mr. Wizard's World airs on Mondays; Teacher to Teacher with Mr. Wizard on Tuesdays; Nick News and Nick News Special Editions on Wednesdays & Thursdays; and Launch Box on Fridays. Programs air at 5:30 a.m. ET/PT (10 YEARS).
- Blues Clues, a preschool play-along series that promotes problem solving, airs Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. ET/PT (10 YEARS).
- To receive teacher's guides that include descriptions, schedules, and activities, call 1-800-NICK-NET or connect on-line to teachers.nick.com. Video teacher's guides are included in each Launch Box episode. Request the Teacher to Teacher with Mr. Wizard newsletter by calling 1-800-258-2344.
Odyssey
ODYSSEY (ODSY) seeks to build bridges of understanding among people of different faiths and cultures with programming that empowers, challenges, entertains, and inspires.
- News Odyssey airs on Thursdays at 2:30 a.m. ET (YEAR). This weekly half-hour news program offers updates on the world of religion.
- Today's Life Choices airs on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. ET (YEAR). This weekly half-hour series is designed to promote discussion on ethics, values, and social issues.
- Program guides are available at no cost by calling 1-888-390-7474, toll-free.
- Additional information is available on-line at: www.odysseychannel.com.
OVATION - The Arts Network
OVATION--The Arts Network--provides programming on music, dance, literature, theater, and architecture. OVATION gives students front-row seats to world-class performances. It takes them behind the scenes and around the globe to experience visual and performing arts and to meet artists and performers.
- ArtsZone airs Tuesdays from noon to 2:00 p.m. ET (YEAR). ArtsZone is hosted by cultural advocate Simon Watson.
- More than 60 percent of OVATION's programming is copyright-cleared for use by schools.
- Staff is available for teacher training. Call the educator hotline (1-800-682-8466 ext. 5) for details. For additional materials, including study guides, lesson plan ideas, video clips, and a student gallery, link to the OVATION Web site (www.ovationtv.com).
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations provide educators an array of K-12 programming and teaching resources.
- Cable in the Classroom programs include Wishbone, Reading Rainbow and Bill Nye the Science Guy. Check local listings for air dates/times.
- Additional information is available on-line at: www.pbs.org.
The Sci-Fi Channel
The Sci-Fi Channel (SFC) offers the best in science fiction, fantasy, science fact, and classic horror programming with original science fiction movies and series, memorable sci-fi classics, and popular off-network series, all suitable for family viewing.
- Inside Space, airing Mondays at 5:30 a.m. ET (FREE) is a science fact series that presents students with the latest news about space. Students meet scientists and inventors who are on the cutting edge of space research.
- Write to the Sci-Fi Channel or visit The Dominion at www.scifi.com for activities to help integrate Inside Space episodes into your curriculum.
Showtime Networks, Inc.
SHOWTIME is an award-winning, critically acclaimed, premium network featuring theatrical movies, original movies and series, championship boxing, and family entertainment.
- Family programming includes Whiskers, Ronnie & Julie, Heck's Way Home, Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, In His Father's Shoes, and the live-action children's series My Life As A Dog. Many programs are close-captioned and are available in Spanish through a separate SAP audio feed.
- Due to the nature of this network, requests to use its educational programming must be made in writing. Free copies of some programs, including Rescuers: Stories of Courage: "Two Women" are available upon written request. Contact Jocelyn Brandeis at Showtime for details or visit the Showtime Web site at: www.showtimeonline.com.
The Travel Channel
The Travel Channel is the only network that provides viewers with ideas on where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of their travel dollars. Watch The Travel Channel and be a smart traveler--not a tourist.
- The Travel Channel's Cable in the Classroom programming is in development. Likely program offerings will include strong educational links to geography, math, history, and cultural diversity. Check Cable in the Classroom magazine for programming updates and air times.
- Support materials are being planned for Cable in the Classroom programming. Materials will include study questions, vocabulary words, and advance program schedules and will be available semi-annually and periodically to support specific programs. Visit The Travel Channel on-line at: www.travelchannel.com.
Turner Classic Movie Channel
Turner Classic Movie Channel (TCM) is a 24-hour television network that presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from the largest film library in the world, un-colorized and commercial-free.
- Novel to Film: Designed by educators specifically for use in the classroom, this film series and accompanying curriculum materials will touch the minds and hearts of students and inspire them to read and develop a passion for literary classics. Programs for 97/98 are based on the novels: Little Women, The Red Badge of Courage, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, From the Earth to the Moon, The Fountainhead, Madame Bovary , The Maltese Falcon., and Ivanhoe.
- The Novel to Film curriculum guide is available by mail upon request or by contacting your local cable company. The guide includes curriculum connections, plot summaries and suggested activities. For more information, please visit the TCM Web site at: TCM.turner.com.
Turner Learning
TNT and Turner learning, Inc. have joined with local cable companies around the country to offer select TNT Original films for use in classrooms as teaching tools during the school year. The educational extensions of TNT Originals, called "TNT Learning," will encourage classroom and home viewing discussion of select TNT programming. Teachers receive free curriculum support materials designed by educators which will include curriculum guides containing a synopsis of each program , curriculum connections, cross-curricular applications, historical information and discussion questions and activities that address the issues unique to each film. For more information on TNT's offerings for schools, visit our website at tnt.turner.com/tntoriginals or the Turner Learning website at learning.turner.com.
Turner Learning also offers the Electronic Field Trips series. Virus Encounters: Microorganisms and the Human Body, a live electronic field trip to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA, was awarded first place for the 1997 Best Distance Learning Program K-12 category at 16th annual TeleCon Awards.
USA Network offers a broad range of quality programming for every member of the family, including exclusive original movies, dramas, and comedies, popular off-network series, big-ticket sporting events, and blockbuster films.
- USA produces and airs commercial-free programs such as the USA Picture Original, The Member of the Wedding throughout the year. The Erase the Hate series supports USA's public service campaign to combat violence and prejudice among kids throughout the year. Refer to Cable in the Classroom magazine for specific programs and exact dates/times.
- USA produces teacher support materials to enhance its educational programming.
- Visit the USA Web site at: www.usanetwork.com.
UVTV/WGN
UVTV/WGN, one of the industry's longest-running services, provides an array of original programming, news, entertainment, and sports programming.
- UTV/WGN's commercial-free programming includes a weather information series and original programming pertaining to social issues. Refer to Cable in the Classroom magazine for specific programs and exact dates/times.
- Additional information is available on-line at: www.uvtv.com.
WAM! America's Kidz Network
WAM! America's Kidz Network, targeting 8-16 year olds, provides 60 hours of subject-specific Cable in the Classroom programming each week.
- WAM! REEL LEARNING Schoolday, airing between 3:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. ET (YEAR) Monday - Friday, promotes learning in fun, original ways.
- Subjects include natural science, social studies, language arts, math, music, and art appreciation. Personal development and guidance topics help young people cope with issues such as peer pressure, career preparation and sportsmanship. Kid's Planet Video, featuring camcorder diaries from around the world, explores diverse cultures.
- Between programs WAM! provides WHIZ TIPS to help kids ace studies, WAM! WORDS to enhance vocabularies, and WAM!CAM depicts profiles of extraordinary kids.
- Support materials are available upon request for many programs.
For more information contact WAM! America's Kidz Network, 5445 DTC parkway, Englewood, CO 80111.
Phone: 303-267-5844
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel, cable television's only national all-weather network, is a convenient, accurate source for round-the-clock weather information. Programming provides local, regional, and national weather conditions.
- The Weather Classroom airs in three 8-minute segments at 4 a.m. ET Mondays and repeats at 4 a.m. ET Thursdays (FREE). Using dramatic video, hands-on demonstrations, and the latest technologies, The Weather Classroom provides a comprehensive exploration of the hows, whys, and wonders of weather.
- The content of each new episode of The Weather Classroom television program is integrated with TWC's Web site (www.weather.com/education). The on-line teacher's guide for The Weather Classroom is divided into easy-to-navigate sections in both graphic and text-only versions.
The Weather Channel's website at
www.weather.com provides compelling, accurate
weather-related information for hundreds of cities worldwide, travel information,
storm coverage and educational content that includes a weather glossary, storm
encyclopedia, safety and preparedness tips, meteorology career guidelines, plus the
schedule and extensive support materials for the on-air education program
"The Weather Classroom." The Weather Classroom is a thirty minute program
that explores the news, whys and wonders of weather using dramatic video, hands-on
demonstrations and animation to teach weather concepts. The website includes an
episode summary, teachers guide, demonstration and downloadable materials.
Cable Industry Educational Initiatives
The Family and Community Critical Viewing Project
The Family and Community Critical Viewing Project is a first-of-its kind partnership of the National PTA, National Cable Television Association and Cable in the Classroom, launched in 1994 to address concerns about television and the impact of television violence and commercialism on children.
The project trains cable and PTA leaders nationwide in the key elements of critical viewing, also known as media literacy, and how to present Taking Charge of Your TV workshops for parents, educators, and organizations in their communities. The goal is to help families make informed choices in the TV programs they watch and to improve the way they watch those programs.
The latest element of the critical viewing project is a Taking Charge of Your TV video featuring Rosie O'Donnell. The video premiered at a press conference featuring First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Congressman Billy Tauzin and cable industry and National PTA leaders on February 25, 1997. The video is free and easily accessible to parents, educators, and other interested parties through an 800 number, as well as through local cable companies. Over 70,000 videos have been requested.
In conjunction with the announcement, a 30-second public service announcement and print ad, also featuring O'Donnell, began airing on cable networks and in parenting magazines and TV Guide promoting the video and the toll-free number. The video was produced for the partnership by HBO in consultation with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association.
The critical viewing project teaches techniques to:
- Set rules for television viewing and how to stick to those rules.
- Recognize the ways in which television can be used to manipulate viewers.
- Talk to children about violence on television.
- Turn what we see on television into positive and educational family discussions.
Since the project's launch in October of 1994, presenter's trainings have taken place in 74 cities in 40 states. Over 2,500 PTA and cable leaders have been trained and as a result, more than 600 workshops for over 20,000 parents, educators and community members have been held nationwide. Several Members of Congress, state attorneys general and public officials have also hosted, endorsed or participated in critical viewing project events.
National Awards and Recognition
The partnership was awarded the National Parents' Day Coalition Clarion Award for effective use of television to promote responsible parenting in July 1996 and the Entertainment Industry Council's PRISM Award for community service in 1997.
Materials
Requests for more than 175,000 Taking Charge of Your TV -- A Guide to Critical Viewing for Parents and Children have been filled and the project's materials are currently available in Spanish.
For more information contact your local cable operator.
[ Use the "Back" Button to Return ]