1. What is C-SPAN in the Classroom? C-SPAN in the Classroom is a free membership service that offers information and resources to assist educators in their use of our primary source, public affairs video from C-SPAN television.

You do NOT have to be a member to use C-SPAN television and online resources in your classroom, but membership has a variety of benefits including access to:

• teaching ideas
• activities 
• classroom tools

2. How do I become a member of C-SPAN in the Classroom?
Teachers can enroll online for the free service.

3. Who can join C-SPAN in the Classroom?
Members of C-SPAN in the Classroom are educators. This includes elementary through high school teachers, college and university professors, home school educators and district level administrators.

4. How much does C-SPAN in the Classroom cost?
C-SPAN in the Classroom is absolutely FREE!

5. What will I receive by joining?
You will receive periodic e-mail updates on C-SPAN programs and resources that match the subjects you teach. Members are also eligible to apply for a C-SPAN Archives Grant, or Fellowship. For special projects, we create and distribute classroom posters free to members. Members have access to a toll-free number to speak to C-SPAN in the Classroom staff about their individual needs and questions.

6. After joining, what steps should I take to use C-SPAN with students?
You'll see that C-SPAN offers a wide variety of programs on every topic in your curriculum-history, government, literature and more. Don't be overwhelmed. Show a bit of C-SPAN LIVE to offer students a window into Congress, or show a quick taped clip as a "current event" update, or to reinforce a research topic or curriculum objective.

Don't know where to start? Just check out the Teach with C-SPAN tutorial! Or, check out our web site resource index for subjects you can use right away.

7. If my school does not get cable, how can I access C-SPAN in my classroom?
Many ways! You can:

• Videotape it at home-it's copyright-clear for classroom use!
• Have students bring in videotaped clips as homework
• Ask a parent to tape C-SPAN
• Access C-SPAN LIVE through our web site
• Watch archived C-SPAN programming from our web site; we can help you troubleshoot any problems you may have watching video online.
• Purchase a videotape from the C-SPAN Archives

8. What other opportunities does C-SPAN offer educators?
Members have access to opportunities for Teacher Fellowships andC-SPAN Archives Grants Grants. We invite members to apply to take part in our Curriculum Advisory Teams. In addition, C-SPAN works to ensure that educators tap into resources available in your community through your local cable system and the C-SPAN School Bus.

9. What is the C-SPAN School Bus and how can I schedule a visit for my community?
The C-SPAN School Bus is a 45-foot mobile TV production studio and media demonstration center, as well as a mobile classroom. Cable affiliates "host" the Bus in communities.

If you want the C-SPAN School Bus to visit your community, call your local cable operator or the C-SPAN representative assigned to your cable company and request a Bus visit.

10. Do any teachers help C-SPAN in the Classroom create materials? 
Yes, C-SPAN in the Classroom assembles Curriculum Advisory Teams from time to time for special projects. These teachers are selected for their experience with C-SPAN or other related skills/content areas. They share their expertise with C-SPAN in the Classroom members and staff on a regular basis. Throughout the year, C-SPAN calls on Advisory Team members assist in the networks' outreach to other educators. The team members are paid a stipend for their work.

You may contact a 2004 Advisory Team member directly for advice about teaching with C-SPAN. All C-SPAN in the Classroom members are notified via email when new Advisory Team opportunities arise.  We also work regularly with classroom teachers through our Fellowship program.

11. What is a C-SPAN Teacher Fellowship and how do I apply?
C-SPAN and the cable industry offer Middle & High School Teacher Fellowships to teachers or media specialists who have demonstrated creative use of C-SPAN in the Classroom. During the summer, the Fellows come to Washington, DC for four weeks and work with C-SPAN in the Classroom staff to develop print, video and online materials.

Each fall, applications are mailed to all C-SPAN in the Classroom members and to our cable affiliates for distribution to educators in their communities. Members must be nominated by their local cable system; applications are due in the spring.

12. How can I get a C-SPAN network (C-SPAN, C-SPAN2 or C-SPAN3) in my area?
If C-SPAN or C-SPAN2  are not carried in your area, either phone your local cable company and speak to the person responsible for making programming decisions or write a letter requesting that the C-SPAN network be included in your cable programming. C-SPAN3 is available in a limited number of homes, but you may also request this service from your cable operator. 

13. How do I know when a program is going to air or re-air?
Because C-SPAN covers events in their entirety, the C-SPAN television schedule is dependent on the length of the events, such as U.S. House and Senate sessions. However, each day and evening, a schedule-that is subject to change-of programs C-SPAN expects to air is set and announced via C-SPAN Alert , a daily e-mail service.

You may also call C-SPAN's Viewer Serices for more information about the schedule at (765)464-3080.

14. How can I unsubscribe to Alert (see question #13)?
To UNSUBSCRIBE from C-SPAN Alert please send an e-mail to alert@c-span.org and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

15. How do I purchase a videotape?
There are two ways to purchase a tape of a show that has aired on C-SPAN. Order a videotape from the C-SPAN Archives . Click on the appropriate category and a list of results will be given.

Or, call 1-877-ON-CSPAN to speak with a representative from the C-SPAN Archives for research assistance.

16. How can I purchase hats, t-shirts, books, bags, etc?
Visit the clothing and books or bookbags areas at the C-SPAN Archives where you shop for some of these special products.