ABSTRACT
The Cyclops distance teaching system is based on the conventional TV set, standard audio-cassettes, micro-computer technology, and telephones. The Open University's Cyclops telewriting system has contributed significantly to the understanding of the potential for Information Technology in education. Cyclops is not a conventional Videotex system, but is a versatile shared-screen technology which can be used over public telephones during live teaching. In terms of its unique characteristics, Cyclops has three main educational strengths which make it a powerful technology in distance education. These are: writing and drawing facility; the interactiveness of the system; and the ease of preparation of teaching material. Cassette pictures enable tutors to show more elaborate diagrams than is possible using the light pen or scribbler-pad. Their use can reduce some of the managerial aspects of Cyclops tutorials, allowing tutors to talk with students as the images appear on the screen.
