BENEFITS OF INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

According to Rockley L. Miller, editor and publisher of the Videodisc Monitor, videodisc education has the following advantages: Reduced learning time. Studies find videodisc systems cut learning time by as much as 50 percent.

Instructional consistency. Technology-based systems do not have ``bad days'' or tire at the end of a long day.

Privacy. Students are free to ask questions and explore areas that might cause embarrassment in groups.

Mastery. Unlike a normal classroom situation, the interactive system will not move on to new material until current material is mastered.

Increased retention. In some studies, retention is increased by as much as 25 percent.

Increased safety. Students can explore dangerous areas, such as the chemistry of explosions, without risk.

Reduced behavioral problems. Interactive systems focus attention and increase individual involvement, thereby reducing the potential for misbehavior.

Increased motivation. The high level of feedback and individual involvement encourages persistence.

Increased access. Systems can deliver courses to one or two students in situations where it would not be economical to hire a special teacher; students can use simulated laboratory equipment instead of actual equipment that might cost tens of thousands of dollars.