Final report : rural satellite program: evaluation management contract - volume I: findings, conclusions, recommendations

Evaluation covers the period 1/82-12/85 and is based on document review, site visits, questionnaires, and interviews with participating officials and beneficiaries. Although Indonesia uses its satellite system mainly for undergraduate, and the West Indies for graduate and in-service education, their experiences are similar in many ways. In general, the systems neither enhanced nor diminished student learning, but they did enable more students to be reached and students enjoyed hearing the viewpoints of students on other campuses. Graduate students benefited the most (due to their lesser need for face-to-face contact), but the performance of undergraduates was greatly improved by the presence of a tutor in the receiving classroom. The satellite technology was eagerly accepted, though teachers felt that it required more preparation but covered less material than normal instruction. The systems' audio capabilities were heavily used; graphics transmission capability was rarely used, usually due to technical problems, but when working it seemed to enhance appreciation of the system. Provision of adequate logistical support (e.g., timely distribution of supplementary handouts) and adequate training of teachers and students in equipment use, along with utilization of appropriate interactive teaching techniques, were very important contributors to success. System use was low for administrative purposes and very low for exchange of research information. However, the systems proved capable of stengthening user institutions, especially in the West Indies. No firm conclusions have been reached as to the affordability of either system by its member institutions. The low use and reliability of the graphics equipment suggest that elimination or deferral of this component could reduce costs considerably. Project experiences show that a real need exists for this effective and affordable technology and point to the importance of: a healthy host institution; a favorable geopolitical environment; realization that a great deal of time may be necessary before a system is ready; location of tele-classrooms near other educational facilities; selection of strong local leadership and continued good management; selection of user-friendly, reliable equipment; training of users both in equipment use to reduce the need for technicians and appropriate teaching techniques; and maintaining a tutor in the classroom.