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SCOLA World Satellite Programming

SCOLA is a dynamic, exciting service which provides news and other video programming from around the globe to its affiliates via satellite. SCOLA, which stands for Satellite Communications for Learning Association, is a non-profit organization headquartered in McClelland, Iowa. SCOLA, being tailored to education, also provides far more than simple video programming—the organization also provides various supportive resources on language learning content via its website.

SCOLA programming is presented in its original form and language; no editing or censoring is done, either by SCOLA or by the originating country. SCOLA programming is available for schools, government agencies and other such entities and is broadcast 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Currently, thousands of educational institutions and hundreds of governmental agencies are SCOLA affiliates.

SCOLA takes as its mission disseminating news and other video programs from around the globe, preserving and celebrating the original language, context and originating culture. Thus, SCOLA is an immensely flexible and powerful tool, for a variety of disciplines, and academic and personal interests.

 

SCOLA's Start

SCOLA started as an ancillary program at Creighton University in 1981. A missionary named Lee Lubbers, a professor of art at Creighton, wanted to explore the concept that the language learning process could be enriched with original video broadcasts from other nations. From very creative and meager beginnings at Creighton, SCOLA has now become a separate, non-profit entity.

SCOLA Programming at TTU

SCOLA programming is available to practically any TTU unit, through delayed recording services. The LLL&RC is the hub provider for the TTU System, and the SCOLA Control Center is located in the Language Laboratory facility, with reception and video recording equipment dedicated to SCOLA. See the section below titled Accessing SCOLA / Recording Services.

Students can watch SCOLA in the Language Laboratory {Room 019, Foreign Languages Building}, and at public viewing locations in that building. Traditional copper cable has been installed to link the Rawls College of Business to the SCOLA Control Center, and there is a separate downlink station at the International Cultural Center.

Types of Programming / Channels

There are several channels broadcast from SCOLA, each with a different goal:

Channel 1—Greater Eurasia   Largely news programs from approximately 35 different countries in their national or regional languages. Occasional children's or cultural programming is scheduled.

Channel 2—Spanish & Portuguese  News, variety, entertainment & arts programming from various Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions of the world.

Channel 3—Confucius Channel  Programming from the People's Republic of China (Mainland China), in Mandarin, and includes a wide variety educational and cultural topics. Note: At this time, Channel 3 is available to TTU on a limited basis.

Channel 4—Asia 1  Largely news programs from various countries in Asia, including India, Japan, Nepal, Vietnam, and others.

Channel 5—Africa  Largely news programs from a number of African countries. Occasional children's or cultural programming is scheduled.

Channel 6—Middle East / Central Asia  News, variety, entertainment & children's programming from a number of countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Joran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and others.

Channel 7—Asia 2  News, variety, entertainment & arts programming from various China, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan, and others.

The SCOLA Insta-Class Service

SCOLA Insta-Class provides prepared lessons (once weekly) in selected foreign languages drawn directly from SCOLA programming. The lessons consist of a broadcast transcript with an English translation, quizzes, key words and vocabularies. Most participating affiliates use these along with viewing the actual newscast or other program in a class setting. The Insta-Class materials are available via the SCOLA website.

SCOLA Schedules

The fastest way to obtain a SCOLA schedule is to access SCOLA’s website at www.scola.org. You may also request a printed copy from the Language Laboratory. We can e-mail, fax or drop it in campus mail.

Suggested Uses for SCOLA

The uses for SCOLA are limited only by the imagination. Some obvious examples include:

Foreign Language Instruction

Practice standard pronunciation, rhythm, gesture, expression. Observe protocol and vocabulary for governmental, business, and formal occasions. Prepare for study or work abroad with a direct view of current events and culture. Learn conversational usage such as slang and regional accents.

Political Science

Learn current events as they happen, reported from the scene. Gain political perspectives other than our own. Practice a second or specialty language. Understand more deeply current challenges and conflicts in the world.

Cultural Diversity Classes

See cultural events as they happen, reported in native perspectives. Learn first-hand the variety of world-views. See the customs, conditions, and concerns of the peoples of the world.

Communications

Study the world's variety of communication techniques through SCOLA’s panoramic view. Observe mannerisms, etiquette, topics discussed in particular countries, cultures, or languages.

Business

Learn about the global market, work habits, politics, laws, and protocol in international and foreign settings.

History

Learn about historical sites, sagas, and events through documentaries and current reports. Show the importance of historical causes by relating them to current events; illuminate current events through understanding their historical causes.

Sociology/Anthropology

Gain live access to other societies—their historic traditions, modern conditions, future directions. Use documentaries on archeological sites and expeditions, cultural studies. Enjoy contact with the world culture.

International Studies

A transitional link for international students upon entering the U. S., keeping them apprised of current events in their home country. A great tool for the U.S. exchange student to better understand another country.

Geography

Geographical locations are pinpointed and observed firsthand. The study of a region’s current product output, climatic and geographical changes. Learning the natural features of each region.

Literature and Drama

Presentations of new and old works of literature, poetry and prose. Study of personal/cultural reactions to various situations and beliefs, such as family, customs, humor, government/law, education, health, entertainment, work habits.

Health Fields

Medical methods and technology, innovative health care, medical breakthroughs. Hospital settings and their differing aspects. Ideas and views of health care from many nations. Understanding the cultural behavior and insights of a specific country to maintain effective counseling for international students.

Government and Law

Study of the governmental infrastructure of individual countries. Gain a broader understanding through viewing of a country's application of the law. Witness first hand current changes in laws and governmental structure.

Religious Studies

Study of religions viewed directly from other countries. Observe religious ceremonies as they are practiced.

Accessing SCOLA / Recording Services

At this time, this service is available only to Texas Tech University departments and programs.

You may call the SCOLA Control Center in the Language Laboratory at 2-3151, ext. 286 and request that a specific program or programs be recorded for you. You can also E-mail to SCOLA@TTU.EDU, or fax a written request to 2-3150. There is a charge to campus units to help cover the costs associated with providing the service:

Video recording, any combination of programs up to two hours: $ 5.54.

Audio recording, any combination of programs up to one hour: $ 1.25.

Please be sure to indicate all of the following:

  1. Your name and title
  2. Your department
  3. Banner FOP to which the costs may be charged
  4. The name of the account manager
  5. Campus mailing address and phone
  6. Specifically the program(s) you wish recorded. Include the SCOLA channel number, date, time and the title of the program for all selections.

For physical media, we will supply the DVD, CD or other media as requested (unless otherwise provided), which will be labeled as to its contents and placed in campus mail, or you may arrange to have it picked up at the Language Laboratory, basement level, Foreign Languages Building, Room 019. It may be possible to e-mail some digital files, depending on size, but at this time, physical media is suggested.