Appropriate telecommunications: the enabling factor in the solution to the educational challenges facing developing countries

This paper emphasises the role of cost effective telecommunications as the enabling factor in the development of a culture of learning, as well as the development of an infrastructure to facilitate lifelong learning in a developing country. The paper addresses the role of interactive television communications to facilitate an in-service teacher training programme. A description of the interactive television teaching facility of the University of Pretoria is also given. The use of information technology and interactive television in this project also promotes an increased understanding and awareness in the communities towards the role of technology in a modern society