The Learning Machine
2. Why is so much educational software so lousy?
Clips from this programme
Opening Titles
Duration: 00:37
Introduction: A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education -Why is so much educational software so lousy?
Duration: 00:34
Educational Software for schools: Pupils from Stantonbury School (Milton Keynes) try out 'Pod' for word association, 'Librarian' for sorting and 'Granny's Garden' adventure game: Bill Tag (Advisory Unit for Computer Based Learning) and Rachel Marcus (Information Technology Teacher) discuss educational (primary school) software: Educational Software doesn't match up to good text books - Why? Too small a market, too little money invested too thinly in this area
Duration: 07:03
Educational Software for homes: Hamish McGibbon (Hill McGibbon Ltd) 'Tables' multiplying game and 'Picture Builder' examples, more entertaining but not selling very well
Duration: 04:58
Educational Software for learning Music - Island Logic moving the icon based program from the BBC Micro to Commodore 64, also developing a Body Atlas program with Barry King (Head of Biology, Stowe School)-The development of software in partnership with schools
Duration: 08:15
Educational Software: Commercial software in the school room; Word Processing, information retrieval, spreadsheets on suitably powerful machines: Pupils from Stantonbury School (Milton Keynes) try out more powerful software and computers
Duration: 02:20
End Titles
Duration: 00:37The Learning Machine
1. Promises, Promises
First broadcast: 25th April 1985
Duration 24:49
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. The first of six programmes Promises, Promises ... As teachers have pointed out: 'They gave us the machines before anyone knew what to do with them.' Tim O'Shea questions the motives for putting micros into schools and suggests what is needed for the computer to live up to its educational promise. Film editor HOWARD SHARP Producer IAN WOOLF
2. Why is so much educational software so lousy?
First broadcast: 2nd May 1985
Duration 24:28
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. 2: Why is so much educational software so lousy? Why it is so difficult for parents and teachers to find educational software that does something useful, or at the very least does what it's supposed to do? Studio director: ROBERT ALBURY Producer: IAN WOOLF
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3. The Gender Gap
First broadcast: 9th May 1985
Duration 24:46
A personal view by Celia Hoyles of computers in education. 3: The Gender Gap. Girls are often excluded from computers at home and in school. They're even told that they shouldn't be interested in technology! Celia Hoyles , Professor of Mathematics, Institute of Education (London University), explores the myths and prejudices about computing and girls. Series producer IAN WOOLF Producer ROBERT ALBURY
4. Which Way to a Job?
First broadcast: 16th May 1985
Duration 24:32
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. A series of six programmes 4: Which Way to a Job? 'If we don't prepare pupils for a technological future we're sunk!' Is the technical and vocational teaching now appearing in our schools the best preparation for the changing world of work? Film editor JANE WOOD Producer LAN WOOLF
5. Having a Bash at BASIC
First broadcast: 23rd May 1985
Duration 25:00
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. A series of six programmes 5: Having a Bash at BASIC. 'BASIC? - The worst thing since sliced bread!' With a variety of professional programmers, Tim O'Shea presents the case against BASIC, and looks at recent developments in programming languages. education. Studio director ROBERT ALBURY Producer IAN WOOLF
6. Intelligent Pets
First broadcast: 30th May 1985
Duration 24:21
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. The last of six programmes 6: Intelligent Pets. Tim O'Shea looks at some possible futures for computers in education with Professor Aaron Sloman and Dr Benedict du Boulay Alison Kidd and Alex d'Agapeyeff. Sketches written by PAUL HINES Producer IAN WOOLF Director ROBERT ALBURY