Instructional technology in developing countries : decision-making processes in education

THE PAPER EXAMINES THE PROBLEMS OF TEACHER PARTICIPATION, COSTS, AND GOVERNMENTAL AND/OR COMMERCIAL CONTROL OF TECHNICAL MEDIA. IT POINTS OUT THAT INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY IS ONLY ONE EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVE, AND THAT THE QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION MUST BE HIGH. HOWEVER, CHOOSING SUCH TECHNOLOGY HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF GIVING GOOD QUALITY TEACHING TO EDUCATIONALLY DEPRIVED AREAS. THE ANALYSIS CONSIDERS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FORMAL AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATION, THE INFLUENCE OF FOREIGN AGENCIES, AND THE TENDENCY OF THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TO IGNORE THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF RURAL AREAS. ANALYTIC PROCESSES DISCUSSED IN THE REPORT INCLUDE PLANNING, PROBLEM ANALYSIS, CHOICE OF ALTERNATE SOLUTIONS, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE, AND MONITORING THE CHOSEN SYSTEM. ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS ARE USED TO DESCRIBE POTENTIAL CHANGE IMPACT. COGNITIVE AND NON-COGNITIVE CRITERIA, AS WELL AS THE POTENTIAL COST OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, ARE PRESENTED.