The Learning Channel

Over the last decade or so, there have been massive developments in information and communication technology (ICT) worldwide. Almost the entire developed world is rapidly moving towards a generation of advanced technology, and most would agree that the results have been tremendous. In addition to job creation, ICT has been used for boosting education delivery and enhancing the health and security sectors, among other things.

While the authorities here in Guyana had the correct vision, for a very long time, to go this route, they have now taken some time to do what was necessary to take advantage of ICT, whereas their delay could have been as a result of lack of the massive financial investments needed to establish the required infrastructure and so on. To its credit, the government is now moving towards establishing a 24-hour Learning Channel, as part of a scheme under its Educational Sector Strategy Plan (ESSP) to use technology to push distance education countrywide. Recent telecommunications developments, particularly integrated voice, video and data systems, as well as satellite technologies, have made distance education a viable alternative to improving access to educational opportunities for learners of all ages, at all levels, and in diverse environments. While we do not have the kind of infrastructure to as yet fully utilise the technologies listed above, the use of TV is a good start; and, based on the feedback over a period of time, and the availability of resources, the utilisation of more and newer technologies mentioned above could be explored. While it is expected that the initial geographic roll-out of educational programmes will cover the coastal regions where television signals are already being received, it is hoped that, shortly after, citizens across the country will be able to access the signal. The authorities have said that the renewable energy programme currently being undertaken in hinterland areas, which is expected to expand under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund, will ensure that far-flung areas have electricity to access the services of the educational channel. Educational programmes will target nursery, primary, and secondary students; and even adults who have access to a TV set can benefit. Some may question the effectiveness of distance education; more specifically, if this approach could produce more academically competent students, as compared to students receiving traditional face-to-face instruction. Research comparing distance education to traditional classroom teaching indicates that teaching and studying at a distance can be as effective as traditional instruction when the method and technologies used are appropriate to the instructional tasks.

However, although technology plays a key role in the delivery of distance education, educators must remain focused on instructional outcomes, not the technology of delivery. The key to effective distance education is focusing on the needs of the learners, the requirements of the content, and the constraints faced by the teacher, before selecting a delivery system. Typically, this systematic approach will result in a mix of media, each serving a specific purpose. It should be mentioned that the next planned phase by the Education Ministry will involve the use of the Internet, through web-based portals offering the same or similar content to educational institutions and individuals, which can be accessed anywhere at any time. It is hoped that, in addition to Mathematics and English language, the Learning Channel will focus on science-based subjects, which seem to be in decline at the moment, as the authorities have been mulling the idea of recruiting teachers from abroad for these subject areas. Further, based on the direction the country is heading, and considering that we are now in the process of implementing the LCDS, there is need for a wide range of expertise in the sciences.

The setting up of the Learning Channel is a step in the right direction, and clearly shows that Guyana is becoming a modernised country that is serious about building and improving on the human resource capabilities of its citizens. Not only would such a channel benefit students, but it could also be a source of helping adults who would not have completed their formal education, so that they, too, would be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge required to cope in a society that is continuously changing and requires persons with a certain skills set to cope. This also helps them (adults) to seek better jobs, which they would not have had the skills required to undertake previously. Finally, we hope citizens will understand and appreciate the efforts that are being made to boost education delivery in Guyana, considering the various sectors that are competing for scarce resources (both human and financial) at the national level. On this basis, beneficiaries must make full use of the services provided by this channel, and work diligently to improve their academic performances.