Forum in Brighton gazes into the future of educational television

 3 July 2002 

Forum in Brighton gazes into the future of educational television

 The days of educational television relegated to the middle of the night could soon be numbered. Instead, in the near future, viewers could watch a personalised television channel with programmes on demand. And thier TV could put them in touch with others on the same course to compare notes and experiences. These are some of the possibilities for the future of educational television to be explored at a forum in Brighton on 11 and 12 July.

 The Interactive Educational Content Forum is organised by the Human Centred Technology Group at the University of Sussex and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Its aim is to bring together content providers from the media with experts in interactivity and learning from academia.  It's aim is to define a framework for the creation of effective educational experiences that tap into the curiosity culture of the young as well as meeting the training needs of busy professionals.

 "This forum is about asking the question, 'Where do we want interactive educational TV to be in two to three years time?'" saysDr Luckin, a lecturer at the University of Sussex and main organiser of the conference.

 Despite the advent of digital television, however, Dr Luckin is looking beyond the current technology: "This is about more than just pressing the red button on your remote control. It's about the TV being able to remember your choices and likes, to suggest wider areas of interest and being able to put you in touch with other people. It's also about decentralising television with tutors able to upload content when necessary."

 Those due to attend the Brighton conference include: Michael Jeremy, ITN Director of Development; Roger Broadie, coordinator of the European Education Partnership; Atul Sharda, e-learning Strategic Projects Officer at the Department for Education and Skills; Roland Tongue, Managing Director of Open Mind Productions (the largest supplier of schools programming for Channel Four); and Robin Mudge, Director of Product Development for OnCourse at America's Public Broadcasting Service.

 Notes for editors 

 For further information, please contact Benedict Brook, or Alison Field, University of Sussex, Tel. 01273 678888, Fax 01273 877456, B.J.Brook@sussex.ac.uk or A.Field@sussex.ac.uk

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