Ecodisc — an ecological visual simulation

Abstract

Ecodisc, an interactive videodisc funded by BBC Enterprises, creates a new type of ecological experience for secondary school pupils. It places them in a real place, Slapton Ley Nature Reserve in South Devon, and enables them to move around in time and space, investigate, sample, analyse, and test out possible ideas within the environment.

Ecodisc provides a wealth of environmental visual data and information which operates within the software framework of a computer simulation so making any part of it readily and easily available.

The disc, an advanced interactive videodisc, which runs on the BBC AIV (Domesday) system is one of the first to be designed from the outset using both television and educational computing expertise.

The paper describes the content, structure, development, and educational use of the disc.