Event Information Box

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KEY PIECES OF INFORMATION FROM THE EVENT

Event title:

BBC's Tommorrow's World presents Nellie
Photo of man sitting in front of Nellie computer

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

https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/tomorrows-world–nellie-school-computer/zr24scw

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]

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