Study of TV in education

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32406, 19 September 1970, Page 2

Study of TV in education

(N Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 18. The Minister of Education (Mr Taiboys) today named a committee of eight to undertake the first full-scale official inquiry into the use of television in education in New Zealand. In a statement announcing the committee Mr Taiboys said television was a teaching aid which, properly used by competent teachers, could improve the quality of teaching and learning. “The scope of existing services for pre-school education, adult education, and education by correspondence Could well be covered by its use,” he said. The committee will be headed by Dr R. M. Williams, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago.

Other members of the committee are Messrs A. D. Hunter, principal of Bumside High School, Christchurch; J. E. Robbins, headmaster of Arahoe, School, New Lynn, Auckland; Professor K. W.

Thomson, professor of geography and dean of the faculty of social sciences at Massey University; and Messrs R. B. Grierson, chartered accountant, of Auckland; N. Palmer, central regional director, N.Z.8.C.; J. R. Gyles, Treasury investigating officer; and H. A. Reeves, superintendent of curriculum development. Department of Education.

Mr Taiboys said the terms of reference for the committee included recommending guidelines and priorities for the development of educational television; consideration of uses of television at all levels within the education system; and recommendations on planning, control, and financing of educational television services. The committee would also advise on the uses of open and closed circuit television in education, including the use of separate channels for education and the use of colour or black and white transmission, of both.