Conceptual Design of a Television System for Continuing Education

Continuing education is treated in its broadest aspects, including both degree- and nondegree-oriented programs. The need for imaginative new mechanisms to accomplish a vast expansion of the scope of present efforts is now well recognized in the engineering community. The authors contend that while there is no universal solution to the general problem, the medium of television can be used in a variety of ways to make a major contribution. More specifically, television can effect a more intimate association between a university and its surrounding professional community to the mutual benefit of both. This paper first outlines some of the ingredients we consider vital to a successful continuing education system. Next we briefly describe the proposed Stanford University Instructional Television Network, which contains many key features not now incorporated in existing television education programs at other universities. Finally, we extrapolate beyond the Stanford system to future possibilities for extending even further the utilization of television in meeting the need.