The Learning Machine
A personal view of computers in education
A questioning, almost iconoclastic series looking critically at the claims made for computers in education and at how the reality fell short of the hype. Introduced by Tim O’Shea.
1. Promises, Promises
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?
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
3. The Gender Gap
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?
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
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
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
