Event Information Box
Table of Contents
KEY PIECES OF INFORMATION FROM THE EVENT
Event title:
BBC's Tommorrow's World presents Nellie
Timeline Date
February 5, 1969
Category
Government, Department or Organisation
Secretary of State
Subject
Area
BECTA Category
Event Content
By disapplying the ICT programme of study from September this year schools will be able to offer a more creative and challenging curriculum, drawing on support and advice from those best positioned to judge what an ambitious and forward-looking curriculum should contain.
DETAIL OF THE EVENT
While many pupils might wish they could hand their schoolwork over to a computer, the boys of Forest Grammar School have turned a computer into schoolwork. Dubbed Nellie, the machine can be programmed to solve mathematical equations or even play music. Lessons also include computer maintenance – something of a necessity, considering the likelihood of Nellie crashing… Originally broadcast 5 February 1969.
Evidence indicates that recent curriculum and qualifications reforms have not led to significant improvements in the teaching of ICT, and the number of students progressing to further study in ICT-related subjects is in decline. Furthermore, the ICT curriculum in its current form is viewed as dull and demotivating for pupils. Its teaching may not equip pupils adequately for further study and work, may leave them disenchanted or give rise to negative perceptions that turn them off the subject completely.
Event Media
Key Documents
Further Research around the event
Views, Blogs and Criticism
Tomorrow’s World video: https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/tomorrows-world–nellie-school-computer/zr24scw [Credit: BBC]
Article from Computer Education, June 1969, http://www.vintage-icl-computers.com/icl40 [Credit: Vintage-ICL-Computers.com]
