A Survey of the Viewers of College Courses Taught Over Television.

A survey was conducted, in the fall of 1966, of students' reaction to three college credit courses, Astronomy, Latin America I, and Latin America II, broadcast in major cities in the State of New York. The 608 viewers who were sent questionnaires did not represent all viewers, but rather those interested enough to write in for materials. Sixty-eight percent of these responded to the mailed questionnaire. Most of the viewers watched most of the programs, and in the evening. Viewers preferred to watch on weekday evenings. They found the courses interesting and satisfactory, and on a par with, or better than, classroom or other TV courses. Social science subjects were largely preferred for future programs and, in the existing programs, male viewers preferred Astronomy, while female viewers favored the History courses. Most viewers were aged over thirty, and housewives watched the program more than any other group. Students (including housewives) made up 40 percent of the credit viewers. Telecourses in the future should be field tested for learning, should have evaluation built into them, and should be given more publicity. (GO)