WGVU Public Media joins other public television stations to launch new learning channel

WGVU Public Media, in partnership with public television stations and leading educators across the state, is launching a new learning channel.

The Michigan Learning Channel (MLC) will deliver instructional programming to students, families and teachers, using a wide variety of media platforms, including a system of dedicated broadcast channels.

Ken Kolbe, WGVU Public Media general manager, said WGVU will begin airing the Michigan Learning Channel in early January, providing instructional resources for students and teachers beginning with Pre-K to third grade, and quickly expanding to include grades four through 12.

"From day one, we have worked with leading people in the field of education and with a diverse cross-section of parents and concerned citizens to develop a plan that meets the evolving needs of families and teachers," said Kolbe. "Public television has a long history of developing age-appropriate educational content in partnership with those closest to the communities we serve."

Kolbe said WGVU will use various platforms – over the air, online and through social media – to increase access to educational programming and resources in homes, schools and daycare centers, or wherever students may be. 

"There will be a crucial need for this service during the pandemic and into the future," he said.

When fully developed, Kolbe said MLC will include a statewide network of new broadcast channels bringing the content into homes throughout Michigan, overcoming limitations in online access for rural and urban areas. Lessons will be presented by a diverse group of educators, delivered as if the teacher was in a classroom setting.

MLC will deliver lessons in scheduled 30- and 60-minute blocks for each grade level throughout the day, which will be repeated during the evenings and on weekends. 

In the WGVU viewing area, MLC will be available on 35.5 WGVU/52.5 WGVK. It will also be available as a digital livestream and posted for on-demand viewing at MichiganLearning.org.

The concept has been endorsed by the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, and Business Leaders for Michigan.

Initial funding for the Michigan Learning Channel is being provided through a grant from the Michigan Department of Education supported by the Governor's Education Emergency Relief (GEER) Fund Grant, part of the CARES Act.