edutainment

Edutainment refers to products or experiences that aim to educate while entertaining. It covers media such as television programs, films, video games, software, interactive exhibits, and online content designed to teach concepts, skills, or attitudes while engaging audiences.

The term arose in the late 20th century as educators and media creators increasingly blended curricula with entertainment. The concept predates the word, with early experiments in telling stories and using play to support learning; a widely cited example is Sesame Street, which began in 1969 and integrated music, puppetry, and short segments to teach literacy and numeracy.

Formats and settings for edutainment are varied: children's television, educational software and apps, investigative games, and museum or science-center installations that provide hands-on learning experiences. Notable examples include Reader Rabbit and JumpStart educational games, Carmen Sandiego for geography and history, and BrainPOP’s animated videos and quizzes.

Benefits and criticisms: Proponents say edutainment can boost motivation, increase time-on-task, provide contextualized practice, and reach diverse learners. Critics caution that it can prioritize entertainment over rigor, gloss over complex topics, or rely on commercial incentives that dilute instructional outcomes. The quality of edutainment varies, and access remains unequal in the digital divide.

Related trends include gamification and serious games, which apply game design principles to education beyond entertainment.