Satellite Instructional Television Programme (SITE)

          Satellite technology has become one of the most important components of global telecommunication. It has facilitated a dramatic increase in the volume of telecommunication traffic worldwide via the traditional distribution methods of cable, microwave, and broadcast radio and television. Most of the world can be covered by three strategically located satellites in geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above the equator (Gross 1990).

          Satellites provide the communication link between originating and receiving and receiving locations and devices. In addition to satellites with uplink and downlink capability, television, radio, or computer-based program origination facilities are required, along with sufficient television receivers or projectors to accommodate the viewers. Miniaturization of the electronics and reduced costs are making possible direct home reception of television and radio signals. In other applications, television companies may use a satellite connection to jump across continents and oceans and make voice and computer communication easier and less costly.

          The satellite is contributing to educational provision in two quite distinct ways. On the one hands, its high capacity makes low-cost distribution of educational programmes possible in developing countries with large populations. On the other hand, it provides for the distribution of these programmes to and form remote areas where sparse populations, vast distances, or rugged terrain make conventional land-based installations impractical.

          In India, Satellite Instructional Television Programme (SITE) was launched in 1975. Educational programmes were arranged for rural children in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Rajasthan, using the satellite ATS-F provided by NASA of the U.S.A. After evaluating the success of this programme, Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) was started. The first multipurpose educational satellite INSAT-1B was launched in 1986, by the Indian Government. This satellite helped in telecommunication, gathering meteorological and astronomical data, reaching out the radio and television programmes to the remote hamlets, establishing contact with other satellites orbiting in the space and integrating regional and national radio broadcasting programmes.

Educational Broadcasts

The Central Institute of Educational Technology situated in Delhi, utilized the services of INSAT-1B launched by the Indian Government in 1986 to telecast educational programmes in the elementary school subjects (particularly science and social studies) for 1½ hours daily in the morning, on all days except Sunday. In the telecast services of INSAT-1B, 1½ hours duration in the evening was allotted for non-formal adult education and recreational programmes Physical and Health education, Home Management, Agricultural extension education for farmers etc. were predominant in the non-formal education programmes.

          U.G.C. and NCERT telecast their educational programmes, utilizing the services INSAT- 1B. In many of the countries, separate channels for educational telecast have been established, paving the way for quality improvement in education. There are different types of television programmes and they are given as follows;

Commercial Television: - Commercial Television programmes are meant for the general public. Entertainment, commercial advertisements, local and national news and information are the main items of the broadcasts. Children's programmes such as Cartoon, puppet shows, adventurous episodes, short dramas, and adult programmes such as sports events, news headlines, news bulletins, serial dramas, films, et. are broadcast in commercial programmes.

Educational Television (ETV): - Educational Television (ETV) includes programmes whose primary interest is to educate rather than entertain. ETV generally includes non-commercialised programmes which are prepared with a view to bring changes in viewer's attitudes, knowledge, behaviours and values in some specific ways.

Uses:

          Television is a powerful mass-media of communication to promote literacy among the people, develop proper attitudes and interests in them enabling to function effectively in today's world of science and technology. By using TV excessively for recreation alone, we are under-utilising its versatile capacity.  In many of the developed countries separate channels are allotted exclusively for telecasting educational programmes.

          In Tamilnadu TV programme like "Manaimatchi", "Vayalum Vazhvum", "Vazhkai Kalvi", "Uzhayppavar Ulagam", "Ariviyal Ayiram", "Nool Vimarsanam", "Care for physical health"etc. are telecast catering to the needs and interests of various sections of the society. For example in the programme "Vayalum Vazhvum", topics like 'New Agricultural practices', 'Pest control', 'Manuring', "Water Management", "Genetically Modified seeds", etc. are discussed which prove to be highly beneficial and educative for farmers of Tamilnadu.