In blaming television for low test scores and poor academic achievement, critics ignore other, more compelling factors that should be addressed. The quest of educators should be for more and better ways to capitalize on the useful aspects of the child's viewing experience. (Author)

Researchers studying the educational uses of computers can learn from the mistakes of television research. They should: avoid asking whether computers teach better than other media; utilize holistic as well as standard experimental paradigms; and realize that when learners encounter a new medium, a wide range of usages and outcomes should be…

This paper reviews the research that examines the content of television, especially in its portrayal of women. Studies reporting on the viewing habits of the general population and particularly children are summarized. Also recounted is research that explores the relationship between sex role development in children and the presentation of sex…

The 40 papers in this collection cover a wide variety of topics within the broad field of visual literacy. Three preliminary papers discuss visualization through film. The second section, which emphasizes visualization in a social context, contains 10 papers addressing cultural, political, social, and psychological issues, touching upon such…

The 11 papers in this collection focus on research in instructional television, the theme of a conference attended by media producers, researchers, and policy makers from Australia, Britain, Canada, France, West Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States. The opening paper by Deane Hutton discusses two parallel but contrasting…

Reviews studies of television's socializing impact on Black children. Discusses viewing behavior and exposure patterns, program preferences, motivations for watching television, and the effects of watching. Concludes with an agenda for future research, emphasizing the need for investigation of variables that mediate television's influence. (KH)

A review of recent studies on the effects of television viewing on behavior indicates that television has significantly influenced cognitive and affective child development, social behavior, social relationships, and health attitudes and practices. Researchers and the television industry must collaborate to maximize television's positive effects.…

Summarizes research findings on the structures, codes, and conventions of television as a communicative symbol, and on the effects of television on cognitive and social development. Suggests that television viewing can induce active cognitive processing, and that television can be a potent tool for teaching and communicating with young children.…

This Council of Europe report on the problem of violence opens with two recommendations: (1) on cultural and educational means of reducing violence; and (2) on a European Award for Non-Violence. An explanatory memorandum provides a general introduction, and explains the report's focus on terrorism, violence in the media, violence and sport, and…

A number of relevant issues surround the arguments of both opponents and proponents of the Federal Trade Commission's proposals to ban or control certain advertising during children's television programs. Groups against regulatory action point out that parents, not children, are the consumers and have a right to free choice in their purchases.…

Examines effects of the structure and content of television on children's cognitive, motor, and affective development, and discusses relationships between family life style and television viewing. Suggests that current television programs can have harmful effects on children, and presents proposals for interventions to expose children to more…