Mass Media Studies on Television: Lesson Plan & Prezi

Mass Media Studies: Television includes a detailed lesson plan and Prezi with a timeline, in-class discussion questions and activities, videoclips, and an optional written assignment.

The 10-page lesson plan does not rely on any specific textbook, but looks at key moments in the history of both broadcast and cable/satellite/Internet television medium, the economics of television in the different revenue streams and the challenges faced by television at various times, including today. It is appropriate for a journalism, technology, or history class. Although a textbook is not necessary to use the lesson plan material, some portions of the lesson plan are taken from “The Dynamics of Mass Communication” by Joseph R. Dominick and "Converging Media" by John V. Pavlik and Shawn McIntosh. These books are credited whenever they are used at length.

The lesson plan is color-coded with videos, group activities, and important examples in blue, and questions for class discussion in orange. (This helps to make sure the class is broken up well.) The TV lesson plan features an extended group activity for students and suggestions to make it longer or shorter to fit your needs. Additional “if-time” material is provided at the end that can be added into the class if desired. Two written assignments are also provided that can be assigned before the class (recommended) or afterward.

The Prezi includes videos, pictures and illustrations most often taken from YouTube, SimpsonsWorld.com or public universities and museums in accordance with fair use laws. (Note: because Prezi links to pictures and videos online, they may be removed at any time by the source who originally posted them and it will leave a blank space in the slide…there is no way to have any control over that but I have provided a description in the lesson plan to help you to replace the item should that happen.) The Prezi movements are meant to be straightforward rather than dizzying, and the colors are kept simple. Questions and activities are marked to stand out. Instructions for using the videos (some of which cannot be embedded) are included in the lesson plan.

Lesson plans are also available in my store on other media individually or as a package at a reduced price.

Instructions for accessing and using the Prezi, or for getting a copy of the Prezi that can be edited, are available in the lesson plan document upon purchase.

Note to previous purchasers: A security change at Prezi may have made the link to the Prezi file in lesson plans before August 2020 invalid. Please use the email address in the lesson plan to contact me about replacing the Prezi file.

Please leave a review if you are happy with the material. I will make every effort to respond to questions quickly.