New distance learning course explores how electronic media affects children

LAWRENCE -- A new distance learning course offered by University of Kansas Independent Study examines how children use media -- television, computers, video games and the Internet -- in their daily lives. The course, Children and Media, also explores how these media affect children's cognitive, emotional, social and health-related development in the contexts of families, schools and society.

The three-credit-hour course, which will be of interest both to teachers and parents, is offered in a print-based format with online readings and optional e-mail lesson submissions. Course assignments will include critiquing of media content and the influences of media on children's attitudes and behavior.

KU Independent Study offers more than 160 courses for undergraduate and graduate credit and professional development in online and print-based formats. Other courses that may be of interest to parents and teachers include Literature for Children (ENGL 466 ); Introduction to Child Behavior and Development (HDFL 160); and Psychology of Adolescence (PSYC 566).

For more information or to enroll in the course Children and the Media (HDFL/TH&F 405) or other KU Independent Study courses, call toll free (877) 404-KUCE (5823) or (785) 864-KUCE (5823), or view the Independent Study catalog online at www.kuce.org/isc.