Citation
(2007), "Interactive digital TV: Learning and Skills Network, UK", Education + Training, Vol. 49 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2007.00449dab.011
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Interactive digital TV: Learning and Skills Network, UK
Digital television has the power to turn millions of people with poor literacy and numeracy skills onto learning, demonstrates a new report published today by the Learning and Skills Network (LSN). The report is based on the results of a pilot project funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). The project designed and developed KickStartTV, an Interactive Digital Television (iDTV) service, and evaluated its potential to get through to people who may need help with their “three Rs”, but “traditional” courses find hard to reach.
KickStartTV gives people the chance to learn new skills anonymously in the comfort of their own homes. The service is aimed at people who are more familiar with a TV than a PC and gives them the confidence to improve their skills while using new and interactive technology. It is interactive and easy to follow, so viewers can learn while doing daily activities, such as eating their dinner in front of the TV. The service offers “bite sized” learning 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Viewers can learn during the advert breaks of their favourite programmes or any time they have a few minutes to spare.
The research concludes that thousands of people could improve their “three Rs” using the KickStartTV service. Jill Attewell, Research Manager of the Technology Enhanced Learning Research Centre at the Learning and Skills Network, said: “There are millions of adults in the UK whose literacy and numeracy is not as good as that expected of an average 11 year old, and many adults are reluctant to return to the classroom. KickStartTV offers an innovative and enjoyable way of getting people back into learning at a time, place and pace which suits their lifestyle. Literacy and numeracy are just the start. iDTV could be used to offer interactive learning and information on any subject, wherever PCs are not practical.”
For further information on KickstartTV, see www.kickstarttv.co.uk