About the Fascinating Learning Factory

There is an acknowledged need for higher quality educational programming on television [1] and on digital outlets. Educational programming, in order to be successful, must be entertaining as well as informative, but the line between entertainment and education is frequently crossed in favor of entertainment.  There are even those who consider "The Jetsons' to be educational.

It is still a fact that television is the primary source of news and information for adults in this country. But as our children become teenagers, they are less inclined to watch TV and more likely to entertain themselves with web, video games and cell phone communications.

Founders Norman and Bunnie Strassner have spent their careers in broadcast television, production and leading edge technological development. They bring their expertise to the Learning Factory both to advise as to the merits of potential programs and to oversee the production of them.

Advisory Board

  • Phillip Seff, Ph.D., University of Arizona, Government Geologist, Professor of Geology, University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, Author “Our Fascinating Earth”
  • Donna Copeland, MA: University of Colorado - Boulder, Educational Administrator Certification: University of Denver, Emphasis on Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Robin Levin, M.Ed. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Educational Media Technology, Career Educator, Certified Library Media Specialist, Lander, WY
  • Jeremy Rosenshine, BA- English Literature, Expert marketing and branding consultant
  • Former Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO), Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Rep. Jerry Lewis (former R-CA) as well as former Colorado State Senators Ron Tupa, Terry Phillips and Evie Hudak have all expressed support for the work of the Learning Factory as well as many other business, education and community leaders.

[1] FCC-96-335 – Policies and rules concerning children’s television programming, 8/8/96

Our Goals

§ We will reach the largest possible audience, initially through the 346-station Public Television Network. Our Fascinating Earth and Guerrilla Guide to Politics were offered to NETA (Nat’l Educational Telecommunications Assn.) for consideration and we have received a commitment to distribute both series.

§ We will monitor our programming through a variety of evaluation models to guarantee that the quality of both the educational content and entertainment value meet and exceed the highest possible standards.

§ We actively recruit educational experts to provide new ideas for programming in areas that have been historically underserved by present providers.   These experts will create curricula and lesson plans around these programs so that both the learner and the school will achieve the most benefit from them, whether seen at home or in the classroom.

Our Mission

Fascinating Learning Factory is committed to  making educational media relevant and engaging.   Advances in communication technology are happening faster than ever and it is imperative that they are quickly adapted to education. Our mission is to find, develop and provide high quality educational programming for children age 9 through adulthood, utilizing the latest in technological innovations for educational purposes.

Vastly expanded cell phone capabilities, i-Pod™s , social networking, along with other Web-based activities, have changed the way people of all ages communicate.  We tailor our educational materials to incorporate these technologies in order to more effectively communicate with people. Seamless integration of new developments in education resources and communications technologies ensures that programs can be easily incorporated into the lives of a diverse audience.   Accessibility is key, and we strive to make elements of every project accessible using all appropriate and available technologies.  

But technology alone will not suffice. We will develop support materials to increase each program’s value further. This programming will be available for both classroom use, as well as on “the net” or "on-air" for the greatest possible impact on the learner. We will provide curriculum enhancements for teachers, but the programs will be within reach of all students, regardless of their access to technology.