Award-winning educator, author, and lecturer Harry K. Wong, in this classic video presentation, describes his method for teaching students how to work in cooperative groups. Dr. Wong believes effective teachers begin a lesson with a motivator - or attention-grabber - related to the lesson and designed to pique students' curiosity. Research shows that the most effective learning in the classroom is in support groups. By teaching students to work cooperatively...

As the digital revolution sweeps across America, many young people are experiencing what has come to be known as the digital divide. The first hour of this program examines the push to wire America's schools, addressing crucial issues such as integration of technology into curriculums, budget trade-offs that leave low-tech subjects starving for scarce funds, and the need for ongoing hardware and software support. In the second hour, more experts,...

In this program, a literature teacher argues the benefits of on-line learning, while her department chairperson presents arguments against it. Methods used to conduct an effective on-line "class" are demonstrated using state-of-the-art software. Criticism of distance learning includes its tendency to deny student/teacher connections and to inhibit student interaction. Students currently participating in on-line learning programs discuss how it has...

Technology equalizes learning opportunities and expands learning challenges for a wide range of students. Using compelling classroom footage, this program features innovations that are empowering all types of learners. Examples of adaptive technology for physically and visually challenged students include IntelliKeys, TouchWindow, Braille 'n Speak, and audio-based computer software. For those in gifted and talented programs, high-tech role-playing...

As America's economy goes global and companies continue to adjust, what skills and education will tomorrow's workforce need in order to prosper in the marketplace of the future? This program profiles the Travis Communications Academy, Silicon Valley's Monta Vista High School, and the New Technology High School, "the school that business built"-schools that stress the value of critical thinking and teamwork as the building blocks of success. Former...

This program provides an overview of the history of education and distance learning, including an extensive interview with Professor Neil Postman from the first television classroom of the 1950s, Sunrise Semester. From there, the program explores various case studies involving distance learning: a homeless women gets her GED; a handicapped woman graduates from college; and a choreographer puts together a Net dance course by combining images of life-forms...

Every child in America deserves a chance to participate in the Information Revolution, says President Clinton. But first, the inner-city technology ghetto must be eliminated. In this program, representatives of groups such as the National Urban League, ASPIRA, the East Harlem Tutorial Program, the Technology Access Foundation, and the Urban Technology Center examine the urgent need for technology-centered education through home computer access, community...

To be able to integrate as many of the multiple intelligences as possible into a single codified approach is extremely powerful and beneficial, says media theoretician Lou Fournier Marzeles. In this video, he and other recognized experts review the history of educational media and then clearly state the case for media as a powerful-and highly effective-classroom tool. "By using a lot of images in the classroom, are we really going to raise our test...

The future of the world is perhaps being played out in an elementary school in Quebec. A teacher implements a new teaching method known as action research, which is aimed at preparing children to take up environmental challenges. During a very special school year, the students of Dominique Leduc's sixth-grade class are learning to identify, rigorously analyze, and resolve problems in their world. They also learn about the uncertainty faced by those...

Soccer is considered to be hands-down the most popular sport in the world, with the FIFA World Cup netting an audience double that of the Olympic Games. This program covers in detail how soccer is played, the clothing and protective gear worn, penalty areas, FIFA rules, and the functions of the goalkeeper, defense, midfielders, and forwards. Techniques such as receiving the ball, leaving the ball, passing, and shooting, and when each may be employed,...