HC Deb 02 May 1963 vol 676 cc1287-8
11. Mr. G. Johnson Smith

asked the Minister of Education what evidence he has of the value to schools of television educational programmes; and whether he will initiate further research into the effect of such programmes and into their methods of putting information across.

Sir E. Boyle

The growing popularity with the schools and the teachers of the schools television programmes of both B.B.C. and I.T.A. is the best evidence of their value. Several other countries provide similar evidence. I am considering whether I should initiate specific research into the effect of television on the teaching process.

Mr. Johnson Smith

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his reply. When he is considering the possibility of initiating further research, will he also bear in mind the possibility of co-ordinating the educational television programmes to be put out on both networks? Will he also give consideration to the views of those people—and I do not necessarily associate myself with those views—who advocate a separate educational channel?

Sir E. Boyle

The Government's mind is by no means closed on any of these matters. I ought to say in answer to the original Question that I know of no published research in the country based on controlled experiments into the efficacy of television teaching in schools and I am considering now whether it might be valuable to initiate research on its effects.

Mrs. White

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind—and consider the matter with urgency—that there is widespread opinion that a great deal of money is now being wasted on television education because its effect is not being properly looked into?

Sir E. Boyle

I accept the hon. Lady's view that there is a good deal of concern. I hope that the range of B.B.C. schools broadcasts on television will be increased when the second channel comes into operation. It is important that we not only have more television schools broadcasts but that we should ensure that the money is spent as wisely as possible. This is why I stress the importance of research.

Mr. Rankin

If the right hon. Gentleman does not know of any research being carried out on closed-circuit television teaching, would he get in touch with the Glasgow Education Authority, through its director in Glasgow, where such experiments are now going on?

Sir E. Boyle

I am glad to hear that. I do not normally have many dealings with Glasgow Education Authority, for obvious reasons, but I will bear in mind what the hon. Member has said.