What do you say about teachers who use media simply to make classes entertaining and fun?

Question

What do you say about teachers who use media simply to make classes entertaining and fun?

Answer 1

As long as something is being taught and learned, that's great.

The times that I learned the most and remembered what I learned are the times were I had fun learning.

Answer 2

I think it's okay if it is just for fun.  We have 5 minute passing periods.  I'll start a 7 minute funny video and we only lost 2 minutes of class.  Most of the time it's educational.  Laughter (I think) is the equivalent of a 15 minute nap on the brain.

I would never want to teach psychology without youtube videos!

Answer 3

It's actually a pretty good idea, so long as the media selected is not agenda driven (You get that sometimes).

It ought to augment the teaching and not be the sole source of it.

Answer 4

I'd say its a good idea, as much variety in the classroom as possible to keep students interested.

Answer 5

The key word in your question is "simply."  If the only purpose is to make it fun, then it is not appropriate.  A teacher should always begin with an objective--what do I want my students to understand or be able to do after this lesson.  Once that is decided, then there are a variety of ways to teach that lesson.  Choosing a fun way is a great idea--as long as it is both fun and effective.  In other words, media has its place, but the learning still has to happen.

Answer 6

As long as it actually applies/coincides to the curriculum, then it makes it more relevant, and contemporary.  Hopefully used only as a brief addendum and not as a crutch for insufficient teaching on the part of the teacher.