The Japanese children education series “PythagoraSwitch” is an effective and entertaining educational show, even though it does not utilize the newest technology like most television programs use these days. Despite today’s expectations of television production using the newest/newer technology possible, “PythagoraSwitch” does not seem to fall into that category of production techniques. Instead, it is similar to the muppets: The use of puppet characters and videoclips as learning aids are examples. I would normally jump to conclusions that it was produced around the era of the muppets - but! ... as quoted from the trusty Wiki site:” It has aired on NHK ‘Nippon Hōsō Kyokai/Japanese Broadcasting Corporation) since 2002 and Scottish Television since 2001.”(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PythagoraSwitch). A contrasting example to “PythagoraSwitch” would be “Dora the Explorer” which was being watch around the same year(s) in 2002. I’m sure most people are familiar with this character even if they do not have children of their own, or have been aware of Dora so-called Hype.
“PythagoraSwitch: Nature is a Modal” episode keeps things interesting, the two main characters are penguins, Pita and Gora and have Uncle Encyclopedia (I’m sure you can guess what he is...a book!) to share knowledge and keep the youngsters inline. A “reading aid” (we could call one of the other characters) is named TeleviJohn; who looks like a white spotted toy dog with a face that turns into a television. The format of the show appears to be along the lines of: When Pita and Gora have questions (such as when they discover they have burs on their scarfs and don’t know what it is) with Uncle Encyclopedia help, they learn about the questions they had, and even a bit about other related topics. TeleviJohn is usually called to help show examples or explanations to Pita and Gora since they have trouble or are too young to read (as mentioned in this episode). TeleviJohn is a nice hint to kids to use to TV as a learning aid, maybe I’m stretching it a bit far, but perhaps there is a mild connection to (hint) use other technology as a learning aid as well.
hmmm....
One nice connection with this episode (Nature as a model) teaches respect for nature. If you observe it, you can learn from it, and possibly be innovative enough to create your own invention(s)(as mentioned at the end). The main point seems to explain how some inventions/technology were inspired, or even that the ideas from nature made the technology possible. The visual connection of the bird fishing and the bullet train was affective and a nice example for children to be observant. These objectives from the episode not only encourages respect for nature and knowledge (i.e for Uncle Encyclopedia), but innovation and creativity. Also having a character as Uncle Encyclopedia trying to get Pita and Gora to read will hopefully encourage kids (once they learn how to read) to look things up if they have questions. Even-though, all of the objectives within the show seem a bit advanced for a children's show (compared to others watched today), it stayed amusing and humourous with Pita and Gora playing with the burs the first inspired their curiosity and questioning to finish the episode off.
To be Continued...
