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Interactive TV – A New educational technology

Introduction

These days computer has become a necessity of life but there are still some people who are not into this technology. Some parents, who cannot afford, some middle and old age people who are not familiar with it do not consider it as an important part in the learning process of a child.  But these homes will definitely have a Television. If learning process is done through TV where TV is not one way of communication but becomes a dual mode i.e. interactive mode, then I doubt that any home will be deprived of extra learning and easy learning. This will keep the whole household up to date with the latest developments and parents can sit in their most comfortable lounge and have kids study in front of them on an Interactive TV.

Interactive TV for electronic learning (e-learning)

The important reasons why it is important to consider the role interactive digital TV for e learning are

Most people have a television in their home.

The TV is an easy to use device.

People generally trust what is shown on the TV.

The TV reaches out to maximum mass of people and it offers learning methods in a much better way than any schools or traditional methods like chalk and talk do.

These days two terms are very popular “t-learning” and “m-learning”. t-learning is interactive access to video-rich learning materials mainly within the home, through a TV or a device more like a TV than a personal computer.

m-learning is through a mobile or wireless device.

Development of t -learning is basically a matter that has to be dealt by broadcasters and service providers. It requires digital signals, which this day’s maximum providers are switching over to or have switched over already to. Entertainment and education together will make all learners active learners instead of the old passive learner strategies.

Some years back the TV signals were broadcasted in an analogue format. However, nowadays a large number of TV channels are broadcasting in a digital format via satellite, cable and terrestrial. As most TV sets can only receive analogue signals a “set-top box” is required to receive the digital signal using a digital tuner and then convert the signal to an analogue format for viewing on the existing TV. The set-top box is connected between the TV and the source of the signal. Although there are some integrated digital TV sets being used – incorporating the digital tuner and some other features of the set-top box  – most households that have digital TV tend to have a separate set-top box.

Interactive television (iTV) is a two-way interactive service which gives the user a vast choice, better control and allows them to customize their viewing. Through new digital technologies, interactive television services such as video-on-demand, enhanced television, interactive program guides, and email are just some examples of the next generation of digital programming over cable, satellite and terrestrial broadcast television.

Many of the service providers are given these facilities in developed countries but in some developing countries these facilities are not yet been given. If provided people are not aware of the befits of this kind of learning. Developed countries have this technology working in day-to-day life-like we just pick the remote and go for the options of free Tv in demand and the kids watch their favorite programs, games etc any time of the day and n number of times, We record and replay our programs when ever required, how is this being done, it is through digital TV.

It is the awareness that needs to be made where it becomes fun as parents can take part too.

Filed under: classroom technology, e-learning, Early Education, future of education, Learning Resources | Tagged: early learning, interactive learning, interactive tv | Leave a Comment »