The Role of Communication Satellites in Education and Training:: the 1990s

• Autores: Kenneth A. Polcyn
• Localización: Innovations in education and teaching international, ISSN 1470-3297, Vol. 18, Nº 4, 1981, págs. 230-244
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • The evolution of communication satellites has been rapid. In 15 years, they have become accepted as a normal mode of communicating. During the 1970s, considerable national and international research was conducted which explored the potential of the technology for providing education and training services; the results were promising. Nevertheless, today the primary use is to provide continuing adult education. In the 1990s, there will be highly sophisticated communication satellites capable of meeting any communication need; however, by then distribution (communication) technologies (i‐e. satellite, microwave and cable) will be totally integrated with media and computer technologies centres established for certain type users to share services and costs. Nevertheless, remote and rural areas of developed and emerging nations will use communication satellites as their primary communication system. Those entities with a telecommunications tradition, infrastructure and adult population to serve will be the primary users, followed by the universities. Elementary and secondary type education institutions will use the system on a limited basis, but not for international education. Consequently, the user pattern of the 70s and 80s will continue in the 90s, with few emerging nations being able to capitalize on the available technology owing to the lack of knowledge, skills, supporting industrial base and economic conditions. Most emerging nations that do use satellites for domestic services will use INTELSAT rather than domestic satellites.