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4

 

a system which will satisfy the above require-
ments. Consideration of items (a) and (b)
above shows that a practicable scheme might
be the permanent recording of the lecture
material and of the demonstrations in an area
small enough to be placed before the indi-
vidual student. This would be equivalent to the
production of individual kinescopes. Since we
wish, however, to reduce the cost of equip-
ment some simplification can be introduced by
transcribing the audio into writing. At first
glance it might seem that the best recording
material would be a non-corroding metal such
as titanium, thus satisfying requirement (d),
but a closer consideration shows that the use
of a material such as parchment or paper
would be preferable, the higher depreciation
being offset by considerably lower costs. In
addition, experience with some early recordings
made in the Dead Sea area shows thet parci:-
ment deteriorates to a lesser extent than cer-
tain metals such as brass. A set of lectures
recorded in this form could then be bound to-
gether in something called a book.' Let us now
see whether this system will satisfy the other
requirements we have set up. The requirement
of close contact is immediately satisfied, since
each student can be provided with one book.
This has the additional advantage that the
student can go through the lecture at his own
speed, depending on how fast he can absorb
the material. Demonstrations can be presented

1 This term may be unfamiliar to educators trained in

television techniques. It may be defined as a perma-

nent recording printed on material, usually paper,
enclosed in a strong binding.

Cogent Commentaries 419

in the form of photographs (i.e., kinescope
stills) which can be made from as close up as
desired. Initial investment by the college will
be lower than for television equipment. In fact
an additional economy can be realized by re-
quiring the student to purchase his own books,
thus relieving the college of all financial re-
sponsibility for capital investment. Mainte-
nance costs can also be turned over to the
student as well as the question of re-use of
the materials.

Requirements (e) and (f) may be considered
together. It is probable that after the initial
problems have been ironed out it will be
possible to make books that will be small in
size and can easily be carried around. This will
immediately eliminate the need for classrooms
since the student can then be required to do
his work in his own home. The same reasoning
leads to the conclusion that the staff of the
college can be very materially reduced, leaving
primarily those needed for administrative work
and for the finance offices. Some faculty skilled
in specialized subjects will be needed to write
the books and answer the few questions that
will arise, but the bulk of this work can safely
be left to administrative assistants. The reduc-
tion of staff will also benefit the national econ-
omy since there is today a great shortage of
people with specialized skills for industrial work.

The writer appreciates that this proposal is
too new and untried for a judgment to be made
at this time. However, the advantages are
sufficiently attractive to warrant a serious trial,
possibly with the support of one of the larger
foundations.

 

POETRY READING

Don Fraser, Vancouver author of Class Warfare, a book

POETRY READING

of short stories, will read at the Surrey Campus

room 425 at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, 24 October.

-Sponsored by the English & Communtcattons Department-

POETRY READING

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