It is hard to remember that less than 25 years ago the very few computers in schools were largely found in physics departments or for the teaching of computer programming. The change in attitude was largely the work of the Microelectronics Education Programme, which ran from 1980 to 1986. Its only director was Richard Fothergill, who has been killed in a coach crash in Jordan aged 67.
Born in Hampshire, he was educated at Clifton College, Bristol, and took the natural sciences tripos at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. After national service, he became the head of biology at West Ham technical school in London for eight years. Working with youngsters who were not particularly academically minded, he developed an interest in educational materials that did not rely on the printed word.
In 1976, the then prime minister, James Callaghan, gave a Ruskin College speech initiating a "great debate" on education. This led the authorities to consider how education could respond to the challenges of technology and the needs of the British economy. After the 1979 election, the incoming Conservative government announced a proposal to set up a four-year "project" to explore the uses of computers in schools, and Fothergill was appointed director. As the Microelectronics Education Programme (MEP) was to be short-lived, he decided to base it at Newcastle Polytechnic, where he had been, since 1972, leading Petras (Polytechnics Educational Technology Research and Support), a groundbreaking collaborative venture between polytechnics.
In 1980, the Department of Trade and Industry launched its Micros in Schools scheme, providing 50% funding for the first personal computer in each school. This refocused MEP's work: what had been more of a research project now had a much broader and longer-term objective, taking responsibility for the administration of the scheme, the necessary curriculum software development and the teacher education programme.
With few education authorities having specialists able to cope with such change, Fothergill persuaded leaders in all authorities to create 14 regionally based networks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. He formed multidisciplinary teams in each region to build knowledge, skills and expertise. Fothergill's real genius lay in knowing how to inspire people without frightening them, and in his staunch belief that we do things better when we do them together.
His conviction about what was possible and his healthy disrespect of bureaucracy and pomposity, provided valuable lessons. Many were the battles he fought with civil servants of limited vision.
MEP's ground-breaking initiatives quickly came to the attention of governments around the world. Visitors to its "Cheviot House" headquarters were astonished to find a modest 1960s semi-detached house on a polytechnic campus, originally intended for a member of staff. It eventually expanded by knocking through the wall into the house next door.
This was an expression of the man, for Fothergill espoused an uncomplicated form of socialism and believed that every available penny should go into improving public services rather than glossy structures. He preferred trains to planes, and never took a taxi if he could find a bus. He was happiest travelling to and from work, with Twix bars in his briefcase, on the brand new Tyneside metro.
MEP's four years were extended to six and then, to the immense puzzlement of all who knew of its outstanding work, its funding was withdrawn in 1986. Fothergill went on to head the National Council for Educational Technology in London for a year but somehow the magic was gone. Nevertheless, MEP changed the curriculum and the educational environment for ever. Fothergill's vision, and his work, created a foundation for today's enormous network of specialist teachers, ICT coordinators, advisors and consultants.
Fothergill remained active in local politics. He was especially interested in primary education, seeing it as the key to the future.
After his retirement he was discreetly significant in helping to shape Labour party education policy. He had an active Christian faith and was committed to the life of his local ecumenical church.
He also researched his family name and wrote two volumes of Fothergill history. His wife Angela, a nurse and midwife, whom he married in 1962 and who died with him, shared his commitment and his beliefs. They are survived by their three daughters and seven grandchildren.
·Richard Humphrey Maclean Fothergill, educationist and writer, born March 21 1937; died October 28 2004