Computers in teaching initiative: an executive summary

Abstract

In 1982, the Nelson working party of the Computer Board for Universities and Research Councils identified serious shortages in the provision of workstations for use in teaching in UK universities, and in the support of those workstations with software and skilled manpower. Countries such as the USA, Japan and Germany were at that time apparently doing much better. As a result, the Board set aside three tranches of £500000 at half yearly intervals to fund 23 pilot projects in the use of computers in teaching. This was supplemented by a further project funded by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. In 1985, the University Grants Committee injected significant funds and, by 1986/7, the central expenditure on a total of 139 projects was £9.5 million. Allowing for university contributions above the central provision, the initiative brought together funds of approximately £20 million.