Educational and Training Technology in the United Kingdom

The growing interest in the United Kingdom in educational technology is reflected in the creation of a number of new organizations. The present interest in some devices is outlined; the author describes the rise and fall of programmed instruction, the reasons why early hopes were not realized, and the lessons to be derived. An educational television service and the Open University, both the world's largest systems of their kind, are described. Many teachers are reluctant to accept educational technology; this might be overcome by introducing teachers to the technique in a teaching situation, through local "workshops," the use of audiovisual aids in selected educational establishments, and instruction in the management of equipment. This will require industry's cooperation.