In this paper I will be looking at the introduction of interactive videodisc programs into the Australian Adult Migrant English Program. Following a few general comments on the nature of the medium and its associated technological gadgetry, I will look more closely at the introduction of the interactive videodisc Aussie Barbie, a program designed and developed to assist adult learners of English in the Australian social context known as the 'barbie', and the design and production of two new programs to assist adult learners in their development of communication skills in English. Interactive videodisc is a multimedia application which can be used in either a learning situation or as a point of information system for sales and marketing.
Information stored on a videodisc is decoded by a laser disc player and a monitor.
As laser technology works without actually touching the videodisc, it is possible to hold a single image on the screen indefinitely. Videodisc can be used in several ways in the teaching environment. Most simply it can be used in a classroom by a teacher or instructor operating a remote control. This, is known as a level 1 system. All that is required to use a videodisc in this level 1 mode is a laser disc player connected to a TV receiver with a suitably large screen.