‘Failing’ In Educational TV

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31170, 21 September 1966, Page 22

‘Failing’ In Educational TV

(N.Z. Press Association) WAIRAKEI, Sept. 20.

New Zealand had failed to take advantage of the immense possibilities offered by television in the field of education, said the president of the Radio and Television Manufacturers’ Federation, Mr B. D. Garden, at its annual meeting.

“We should not limit our thinking to the idea that educational TV broadcasts can come only from the existing N.Z.B.C. facilities,” said Mr Garden. “Their transmitters could, of course, be used for this purpose, and some portion of the 15,000 hours (mentioned in the annual report of the corporation) for which the transmitters are on to broadcast test patterns for the benefit of the seivicing trade could be converted to educational material,” he said. “From week to week we are

told by educational experts that education is up against difficulties such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and a general shortage of money.

“Our federation believes, on the basis of experience in other countries, that the proper use of television in education can go a long way toward overcoming these problems in a most economical manner,” he said.

Outside the existing N.Z.B.C. facilities there could be separate educational channels in one or more of the main centres. “One could think of wired TV whereby schools could be linked by wire to a central station to receive educational material, or pay-as-you-are-educated TV, where the viewers pay for the programme as and when they need them on the subject in which they are interested,” said Mr Garden.

Although several educa-j tional programmes were being broadcast, they were notj well co-ordinated because no! organisation had sole responsibility. “We radio and television)

manufacturers feel it is our duty to focus attention on this matter and keep doing so until some forward planning is done in the appropriate quarters and is publicly announced,” he said. “There are half a million

homes in New Zealand with television receivers at present, and each of these re ceivers is a potent force for education. It seems a pity not to make use of these receivers to the utmost for education,” he said.