A Look at the “Continental Classroom”

Abstract

This article comprises a set of three independent reviews of the 1958–1959 television presentation of a course in modern physics at about the college freshman level. There is a short introduction to the reviews by Robert H. Randall, Chairman of the Visual Aids Committee of the AAPT, pointing out the part played in the production by Dr. Harvey White, the chief lecturer, and also noting the occasional appearance of a number of prominent guest speakers. The joint sponsorship of the program is also described. The three appraisals are supplied by Myron C. McCay of the University of Chattanooga, Truly C. Hardy of the City College, New York City, and Alan T. Wager of Arizona State University. In general, all three reviews pay tribute to the careful and effective handling of the subject matter by Dr. White and to the stimulation afforded by the presence of guest speakers. The lack of opportunity for discussion, inevitable with a television presentation, is stressed. A number of the guest speakers, in the view of the reviewers, spoke at too high a level. The course has apparently appealed to a large group of viewers well outside academic walls. In general, the venture is considered well worth the effort.