PRODUCTION of programmes for the Education Television Broadcasting Service (ETBS) is on-stream with the end of March start of phase one of the project in sight, according to educational technology and multimedia for classroom and e-learning specialist, Dr. Seeta Shah Roath.
The first phase includes the setting up of the broadcasting satellite and transmission. Educational programmes will be broadcast and will start in Georgetown and coastal areas, and will spread out progressively to accommodate the entire country.
Dr. Roath disclosed that when ETBS is fully on stream, programming will commence at 09:00hrs on school days to reach nursery and primary students, followed by CXC, technical and vocational education and teacher education programmes during the rest of the day.
This initiative is part of government’s thrust aimed at harnessing Information Communication Technology (ICT) to aid the delivery of quality education, while enhancing educational standards in Guyana.

ETBS is a satellite communications open educational network which is intended to reach all communities in Guyana, including schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, households, community centres, health centres, learning resource centres, and the general public.
The ETBA team is responsible for producing and disseminating television programmes and audio/visual learning materials, developing and disseminating television and e-learning materials to be accessed through television sets and computers by educational institutions and home-based individuals, and facilitating televised educational broadcasts for government ministries and social service organizations using educational/instructional formats which address diverse learning needs that go beyond the basic interview, panel discussion, and documentary formats.
Over $147M has already been incurred for the project, while the 2011 budget indicates another $56M is budgeted for its operations in 2011. (GINA)