The Use of Telecommunications in Public Education during the 1980's

Abstract

The use of telecommunications in public education is likely to increase dramatically during the eighties. Six forces acting to stimulate such use are identified and discussed: improvements in telecommunications technology; consumer acceptance of electronics generally; demographic factors; new educational needs and wants; tighter budgets for education; and, a desire for educational reform. Given that uses of telecommunications will increase rapidly, the important questions for public debate relate to the effectiveness and social value of such application.