§ 31. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the setting up of the National Council for Educational Technology which he announced to the National Union of Teachers on 2nd April, 1967.
§ Mr. Crosland, pursuant to his Answer [OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th April, 1967; Vol. 745, c. 796–7], circulated the following:
The new Council will have the following terms of reference:—
- 1. To advise bodies, including Government Departments, concerned with education and with training in industry and in the Services, on audio-visual aids and media and on the most appropriate and economical ways of using them.
- 2. To survey work in educational technology and, in consultation with the bodies involved, to seek ways of improving co-ordination.
- 3. To encourage research and development projects in educational technology.
- 4. To collect and disseminate information about experience with existing audio-visual aids and media and about new developments and research projects.
- 5. To consider the arrangements needed for, and to promote, the training of staff who are concerned with audio-visual media and equipment and with the creation and use of audio-visual material.
- 6. In the light of progress with the Council's work and other related developments, to advise the Secretaries of State whether a national centre for educational technology is required, and, if so, what its functions and structure should be.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is joining me in setting up the Council, and my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Defence, the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Technology will all be associated with the work.