THE Ministry of Education has reported that responses from 100 students and teachers indicate that the content of the recently piloted Guyana Learning Channel on television has been helpful but needs strengthening in a few areas.
It is encouraging that  the response to the Learning Channel has been  positive and as expected, any new venture will experience initial teething problems. But no one can deny that the establishment of this Channel is an innovative step as the government through the Education Ministry seeks to continuously improve our education system and raise the level of academic performance.
What is also commendable by the ministry is the fact that it has sought to have a feedback which would help it to strengthen weak areas and take remedial measures where that is necessary. Too often in our country the time and effort is not taken to have feedback on projects, consequently if there are defects or areas which need improvement those responsible to make the changes are often unaware of the difficulties. Therefore, other agencies and ministries should emulate the Education Ministry with respect to the establishment of a feedback approach.
A most pertinent and important aspect of the programmes on the Channel is in relation to Science and Mathematics: “The Mathematics and Science programmes are detailed, stimulate interest in Science and Grammar, expose viewers to other cultures, enhance family life education, cater for students who are not academically inclined but are skills based, serve as a useful guide, in terms of helping teachers to improve their delivery in the classroom and can be an effective tool to address male under achievement.”
Indeed, Mathematics and Science have been very problematic and for quite some time now we have seen both performances at examinations and the number of students opting for them plummetting steadily.
The benefits of the Channel may not be visible immediately but certainly over a long period they will become visible as was pointed out by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the launch of the new education facility.
According to him, it is a new industry that will provide opportunities for Guyanese and revolutionise the delivery of educational material and that building on the Information Communication Technology (ICT) thrust that the new channel advances, Guyana can be catapulted forward.
Currently, only four administrative regions on the coast can access the Channel, but eventually as the other phases of the project kick in the other regions, including those in the hinterland will be able to have access. And when this happens, the gap in educational opportunities between students on the coast and hinterland will be further reduced.
This will be a plus for our education system because the standard of education in the hinterland will be significantly boosted, thereby further enhancing the poverty reduction capacity.