Lessons From Miss Frances and Ding Dong School

I like referring to early instructional television shows (as primitive as they can seem) because it is my long held theory, that the techniques of these broadcasting pioneers can be replicated today for digital media. Many teachers, parents, ministers, instructional designers and digital storytellers today do not have any more resources than the early educators and personalities from the pioneering age of television did (before the 1960's). Many digital videos today are made in one room with little or no budget, sometimes only one or two people editing, providing narration and creating the visuals. Of course our advantage is all the digital technology in the place of large bulky cameras and control rooms.

One of the first nationally broadcast programs for preschoolers was Ding Dong School hosted by Dr. Frances Horwich of Columbia University, or "Miss Frances" to the little ones. The NBC series, which originally ran from 1952 to 1956 was praised by almost every education and parenting organization imaginable, and reportedly held 96% of TV's preschool audience. Horwich was reportedly the first children's host to talk directly to children via the camera to create an engaging feedback response (like Blue's Clues or Super Why...."Where is the clue?" "Do you know what today is?").

Using a one-room set for an instructional video

In this video, Miss Frances was filmed in a one room set with one camera zooming in and out, and the props, toys and sponsors products had to be inserted in the frame gradually when needed. I believe that this is an early example of how a digital storyteller could manipulate objects in a single space or a single camera frame to tell a story or to offer instruction. Many of us are used to instructors filming themselves with one camera for teaching but maybe not to show an experiment, demonstrate a toy, or even to read a book. Dr. Horwich demonstrates bubble-blowing, dolls, tells a story and talks to parents in a single space in a half-hour.

If anyone watches this entire clip, (especially those of you who want to make instructional stories) send me a message or respond to this blog and tell me if you think this could work today, or any other thoughts you may have on this idea.


Sources

Samuels, R. (n.d.). Ding Dong School. Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http://www.richsamuels.com/nbcmm/dds.html

Woolery, G. (1985). Children's television: The first thirty-five years, 1946-1981. Pt.2, , Live, film, and tape series. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow.