Educational Lectures by Radio

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 7, 28 August 1931, Page 6

Educational Lectures by Radio

Proposed W.E.A Scheme oeineteniieneeel ‘ use of radio as a medium for bringing education to people is soon to bé utilised to the gréatest advantage by the Workers’ Educational Associait on. The use of radio in this way is not new, although it has not made as much progress in this direction as might have peen expected. The possibilities are very great once a définite plan of campaign, working on a_ satisfactory schedule, has been drawn up. The Broadcasting Company has always shown its ‘willingness to cd-oper-ate with the educational authorities in this matter, It has placéd its broadcasting facilities at the disposal of the Department of Education for one hour a day on the five school days of the week, but the department has so far been able to avail itself of only one hour a week, from station 2YA, Welington. Further dévelopments in this diraction ¢an bé expected. Workers’ Wducational Association Jecturés have been broadcast regularly, put at the annual confererce of that organisation a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. W. H. Oocker, H. M. Richmond, and H. Blair, was set up to investigate the question of broadtasting. The committee’s report has now been forwarded to the Broadcasting Company, which has replied expressing its willingness 'to co-operate, not only by placing the broadeasting stations at the disposal of the W.H.A. for a definite period one night a week, but by offering financial aid in addition. In accordance with the suggestion of the W.1.A., the organising of this education session will be the responsibility of a special committee. The time proposed for allocation is 7.30 to 7.55 p.m.

on, oné evening of the week from each station. The W.H.A. hopes steadily to develop this branch-of its work. On this point, the sub-committee’s report: remarks: | "When fully devéloped the scheme should, we feel, result in the appoinjy meént of an educational director wh will supervise the educational work, erganise listening groups; attend to correspondence with groups, and prepare or arrange for the preparation of "Aids to Study" of the kind used in Bugland for the use of groups. We feel that the work is 40 important as ultimately to justify the appointment of a full-time official for this purpose." ‘When one considers the possibilities which exist in bringing lectures by specialists to the pepole, particularly to those living in the country districts, it will be realised that radio can be of tremendous benefit.