Abstract
This paper outlines some key issues that arose from several projects that investigated the use of interactive television in schooling. In this paper we draw on these projects, to illustrate and discuss how a (then) new form of distance education -- satellite-based, narrowcast ITV -- was designated for use in primary (elementary) and secondary (high school) classroom settings, how it was implemented, and how it collapsed as an endeavour. Issues raised by students, teachers and administrators are related to each to illustrate how ITV slowly declined over several years, despite its usefulness for some and strong support from those involved.
Highlights
The origins, changes and use of interactive television (ITV) in the school system in the State of Victoria, Australia have been studied by the authors for over 8 years through 3 different research projects
Two projects were funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and one by Deakin University1
In this article we draw on these projects, especially on the final and largest study, to illustrate and discuss how a () new form of distance education – satellite-based, ‘narrowcast’ ITV – was designated for use in primary and secondary classroom settings, how it was implemented, and how it collapsed as an endeavour
Summary
The origins, changes and use of interactive television (ITV) in the school system in the State of Victoria, Australia have been studied by the authors for over 8 years through 3 different research projects. Two projects were funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and one by Deakin University1 They provided a perspective on the interrelationships between changes to government policy, changes to an educational technology and the consequences for schools (see Evans, Stacey & Tregenza, 1999a, 1999b, 1999c, 1999d, 2000a, 2000b; Evans & Tregenza, 1993, 1996a, 1996b). Victoria is the second most populous (about four million people) and second smallest in area (about the size of Britain) of the Australian states It has a significant rural population and some isolated communities. Within its first months the stage was set for massive staff reductions
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