ERIC Number: ED243456
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1984-Feb
Pages: 37
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Description and Evaluation of Trials of TELIDON Equipment and Data Bases in Two YRBE Secondary Schools in 1983.
Burnham, Brian
Telidon, which consists of two computerized communications systems for displaying text and graphics on a television screen under user control, is being field tested in the libraries of two York Region Board of Education (YRBE) schools in Aurora, Ontario. Beginning in spring 1983, students were able to access, via telephone, a computerized data bank which held several databases. The principal database is the Student Guidance Information System (SGIS), which contains career and higher education information. Other databases provide job hunting information, describe the Telidon system, and offer learning units on varied topics, including astronomy, Blissymbolics, microcomputers, energy, and sociology. Preliminary results indicate that the scope and variety of the databases are narrow and that only SGIS was extensively used. Text is overused, the graphics capabilities are not employed, and movement from page to page is slow. Continuing technical problems were evident. While the trial sponsors are providing initial financial support, post-trial costs may be prohibitive. It is recommended that a plan for better use of the SGIS database be developed to ensure appropriate follow-up. One YRBE school opted to discontinue Telidon use after the trial period. Appendices include trial costs and per-use costs and specific study data. (LMM)
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: York Region Board of Education, Aurora (Ontario).
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A