Nowadays, watching TV or videos has become a part of children’s daily life, with millions of them staring at the screen of their phones or tablets. It is argued that as some children learn more effectively through videos, they should be allowed to watch TV more often both at home and school. Personally, I doubt the benefits of watching TV for children’s education.
On the one hand, videos can serve a useful purpose in education. When children are exposed to TV or videos during the lessons or at home, they can learn certain things better and faster compared to reading books. For example, instead of reading history books all the time, schoolchildren can watch a documentary about a particular historical event that is rich in visuals and engaging narratives. This will help young learners remember historical facts better to some extent. However, I believe videos should never replace a traditional way of learning, and reading and classroom activities should be a priority.
While videos can be engaging and informative, only through reading and classroom interaction can children learn deeply. It is true that TV can give valuable information; however, it is a passive type of learning. Our brain is not designed to receive information passively, but to analyze and comprehend complex concepts through reading and interaction. When children read and engage in different classroom activities, such as pair work or school assignments, they develop critical thinking and deeper comprehension. Therefore, reading and other traditional ways of learning play a pivotal role in children’s development.
In conclusion, although watching TV or videos should be allowed, children should mainly be taught in traditional ways. Reading and different classroom activities should never be replaced by TV as they help young learners develop critical thinking and study deeply.