Technology Feature Radio without Gaga: How broadcasting helps children to see through the fame game Brian Rowan, of Clyde Broadcast, explores the benefits of incorporating radio broadcast equipment into learning and how it can support delivery of a creative learning experience, whilst also delivering transferable skills. fame as a bonus; this is how fame should be seen. The potential of radio Technology often plays an inherent aspect within 21st Century lessons; new software products, games-based learning resources, even hand- held technologies have a place in today’s classroom. And now, radio Today, many young people are driven by the attractiveness of the reality TV generation who have achieved status in the public eye despite not necessarily having a specific talent, yet in truth the chance of achieving fame is slim for most. Working in radio, however, is constructive, with
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Technology FeatureRadio without Gaga: How broadcasting helps children to see through the fame gameBrian Rowan, of Clyde Broadcast, explores the benefits of incorporating radio broadcast equipment into learning and how it can support delivery of a creative learning experience, whilst also delivering transferable skills.
fame as a bonus; this is how fame should be seen.
The potential of radio Technology often plays an inherent aspect within 21st Century lessons; new software products, games-based learning resources, even hand-held technologies have a place in today’s classroom. And now, radio
Today, many young people are driven by the attractiveness of the reality TV generation who have achieved status in the public eye despite not necessarily having a specific talent, yet in truth the chance of achieving fame is slim for most. Working in radio, however, is constructive, with
broadcast equipment is recognised as a positive way to enhance learning. So, many opportunities exist for school departments wanting to use radio within their curriculum, but traditional and commercial technology has previously presented
a barrier to learning which is why it has been overlooked as a viable solution.
Every national commercial radio station in the UK is bespoke and the equipment used is tailored to cater for the different objectives of each
station and also the expertise of the user. An obstacle that the education sector faces is that a lack of high expertise makes it challenging to train, support and sustain a school radio station when the products are not designed specifically for this environment. However, following extensive research and speaking to educationalists it became apparent that radio broadcast equipment has a place in the classroom on the condition that it is intuitive and enables students to use it freely, delivering greater scope for what they can achieve.
This technology has the ability to nurture and develop valuable skills necessary to work in the entertainment industry but in a more practical sense these skills can be transferred to more conventional roles, and more widely to general life. For example, acting as the host of a radio show helps to improve communication skills and build confidence, whilst editing the show enhances a learner’s attention to detail.
A voice across the curriculumIncorporating radio equipment within the curriculum provides infinite scope for making learning come alive.
For example, a history lesson could have excitement injected into it with the learners able to research, create scripts and organise interviews linked to the period of time being studied. Music lessons can also be included through the creation of jingles, whilst geography knowledge can be utilised via the delivery of weather reports.
Inclusivity for young people increases the level of engagement, which in turn positively impacts on confidence. Playing a part in the development and production of a radio show results in a strong feeling of self-satisfaction and self-value. Whether the students’ involvement in the radio station is through editing, presenting or producing, and whether they are simply involved for fun or because it links to their dream career, it provides huge motivational and
Here are some of the skills developed through working on a radio show:Planning: extensive planning is required to develop a radio show;
this includes the planning of interviews, scripts, playlists, etc.
Communication: learners need to utilise communication skills
to deliver a smooth running show, both outside and during the
programme’s airing time.
Confidence: presenting a show requires students to be
confident when speaking, but working behind the scenes also
necessitates confidence.
Technical skills: users will gain first-hand experience of using
cutting edge technology.
Time-keeping: the execution of a successful radio show is
dependent on timing – presenters need to ensure they are
on the ball at all times as poor time keeping will negatively
impact on a show’s success and also influence other students’
development.
inspirational value. The experience also encourages them to work effectively in a team environment. It is empowering for young people to perfect these skills and extremely inspiring to see the genuine interest and excitement that these young
people demonstrate. Contributing towards the
production of a radio station requires skill and dedication and is hugely challenging but also extremely rewarding.
