Television and education: The role of Telecommunications

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are a fundamental factor of development. They represent a major economic, political, and social opportunity for the countries. Bridging the digital divide - access to ICTs, appropriation of these technologies, promotion and respect of the cultural and linguistic diversity of contents - is also, in itself, what is at stake in development. In order for ICTs and Telecommunications to contribute to development in a way that does not only benefit the developed countries, thus increasing the gap between the North and the South, three aspects seem essential to us: the development of applications and uses; the deployment of communication networks allowing a financially bearable access; lastly, a legal and regulatory environment, favorable to investments and to the strengthening of the information society. It is impossible to make the most out of the ICTs´ potential without infrastructure, and their effective management assumes a favorable legal and regulatory environment. The telecommunication sector has known dramatic changes, giving way to a competitive system, stimulating supply and bringing it closer to demand. This paper intends to offer an overview and some reflections about the use of ICTs and Telecommunications with special regard to the use of “Television” as a technological means to educate in favor of development. It also describes a practical application realized in African countries in the frame of the international project named SWAY4Edu: Satellite Way for Education.