Finding the right solutions

Using television to support remote learning

You can use TV to teach students in middle income households, many of which do not have access to the Internet.

You may decide to launch one or more dedicated education channels, or to create a regular time-slot for education programming on an existing channel.

Deciding what to teach

Avoid broadcasting lectures, but instead focus on engaging students with interactive educational programming like Sesame Street or Ubongo Kids.

Subjects

TV is more versatile than radio – it is very difficult to teach reading or art using radio – but do not be tempted to try and teach the whole curriculum.

It is better to teach a small number of core subjects very well than to try and teach everything.

Age and ability

It is important to provide lessons for children of different ages and abilities.

Remote learners can choose the learning that fits their ability rather than having to learn according to age or grade. For this reason, it may be better to categorise programming based on achievement rather than age.

Language

There should be programmes in local languages, especially for primary school children.

If it is not possible for all programmes to be in the local language, at least some segments of them should be.

Accessibility

If TV is watched as a family, or is available only as a part of a communal group, children are more likely to be allowed to watch educational content if it is entertaining for all ages.

TV offers opportunities for people with hearing disabilities. Programming should make use of sign language when possible. All programming should be transmitted with subtitles, which are useful for all viewers.

Using other communication channels to support TV

You can use other communication channels to help children and parents benefit from educational TV.

We suggest that using SMS to send parents information, tips and encouragement, and telling them

• when programmes will be broadcast
• the activities parents should do with their children
• the homework should children should complete

Radio should be used to complement TV programming, and to reach households without access to TV. You can raise awareness of TV educational programming on phone-ins or having radio shows invite students, parents and specialists to discuss remote learning.

Although Internet access may be patchy, all the broadcast material should be archived and available online for those students who can access it.