Cable in the Classroom - A Teacher's Guide
A teacher can tap into the wealth of educational programming available on cable television. Copyright clearances allow teachers extended off-air taping rights and often include electronically published support materials.
When used actively, television brings new worlds and active learning into the classroom. It is a tool that can help address diverse learning styles and curriculum standards.
What is CIC?
Cable in the Classroom is a non-profit service of the cable industry that matches the resources of cable television with the needs of educators. Through the program, local cable companies wire schools for free cable TV connections and set aside educationally oriented programming without commercials in pre-dawn hours that teachers can tape and use later. Networks produce educationally oriented shows that address curriculum standards in all subjects, from the History Channel's miniseries on the Great Depression to Outdoor Life's documentary on the grizzly bear.
A recent poll commissioned by Cable in the Classroom showed that nine out of ten parents think it's important for their children to learn Internet safety and security, online ethics and responsibility, and critical thinking skills. But those lessons won't take hold unless the right kinds of programs are available at the right times for teachers to find and videotape. And that's where CIC can help. The hard copy and online version of Cable in the Classroom Magazine offers listings that make it easy for teachers to tap into educational television.
How does CIC work?
Cable in the Classroom has quietly wired schools for free cable hook-up and transmission and promoted educational shows since 1989. More than 40 networks participate, airing educationally oriented programs without commercials in pre-dawn hours so teachers can tape them for later use.
CIC promotes the visionary, sensible and responsible use of cable's broadband technology, services and content in education. It also advocates digital citizenship.
CIC is an NCTA initiative. The organization works with local cable companies and programmers to provide educational TV programming. It also helps teachers find the right educational resources for their students by providing them with a monthly magazine that lists current educational programs. Copyright clearances give teachers extended off-air taping rights so they can review and locate segments that best meet curriculum requirements. Other cable industry companies offer a variety of products to help teachers keep their workspaces clean and organized. These include self-adhesive cord organizers from 3M, Innovation Command Adhesive Hooks and Hangers, as well as animal clips from BlueLounge.
What are the benefits of CIC?
Many teachers use data projectors or TV screens to display student work. These devices often connect to a computer through HDMI cables that landlock them in one spot. This limits mobility and can create tripping hazards. To improve safety and prevent tripping, educators can use cable management items like cord covers to keep wires from falling out of AV carts or off the floor.
CIC helps schools obtain educational programming from cable channels for free. Its website provides listings so educators can plan their lessons in advance. Cable in the Classroom also assists students with media literacy and digital citizenship.
Schools can choose to install plenum or non-plenum cables in their facilities. Plenum cables have a fire-resistant jacket, which is more durable than non-plenum cables. They also transmit electricity more efficiently. However, plenum cables can be more expensive than non-plenum. They're also less flexible than non-plenum cables.
What are the challenges of CIC?
Cable in the Classroom is an industry-wide philanthropic initiative that brings students educational content and technologies. The program provides low latency networks for collaborative learning with peers in different schools, states and even countries. This has the potential to make learning fun and engaging for kids of all ages. Educators need resources that are readily available and easy to adapt to their curriculum and lesson plans. However, scheduling and copyright restrictions can sometimes prevent teachers from using educational television programs in their classrooms.
Additionally, the many cords in classrooms can be a safety hazard. Tangled computer cords are tripping hazards that can cause children or adults to trip and fall. In addition, the cords can be difficult to remove and can pose a fire hazard if not handled properly. Fortunately, these issues can be solved by installing smart wire and cable management solutions in school classrooms. Cord covers help reduce tripping hazards by spooling up excess cable behind hooks that stands up to bumps, jostles and kicks. Light capacity cord covers are ideal for classrooms and libraries while heavy duty versions work well for temporary stage setups in high-traffic areas of schools or auditoriums.
