Two-way interactive television in education : a historical overview and case study of project TIDSS

The purpose of this study is to acquire an understanding into how, historically, the twelve constituent school districts that comprise the Jackson County Intermediate School District (JCISD), implemented a two-way interactive interconnect system into their curriculum. The project called Two-way Interactive Delivery system for Schools (TIDSS), was implemented to solve an identified problem, shared academic programming. It has been in operation since the 1987-88 school year. This research is an amalgamation of information gathered from personal interviews, on-site class inspection, and archive research. The study first establishes why the JCISD decided to use two-way interactive technology to alleviate their identified problem, shared academic programming. The study then presents a chronological framework of how the project was implemented. This includes how the system is being used and the implications that have arisen as a result of its implementation. Finally, an attempt is made to establish a list of criteria for the implementation of a two-way interactive interconnect system. This research indicates that the criteria for successfully implementing a two-way interactive delivery system includes but is not limited to: a long term commitment made by all participating principles; cooperation from all participants; realistically establish funding mechanisms not only for actual construction cost but for ongoing operational cost as well; complete the planning process prior to actual construction, including a final engineering study; involve staff, teachers, students, and anyone else who may be potentially involved in the planning and implementation process; use consultants in the planning and implementation process; bring a few sites online for trial programming prior to bringing the entire system online, to work out any bugs in the system; establish inservice programs to help teachers make maximum use of two-way interactive technology; go slow during the implementation process; and, above all, be flexible.