The Education Satellite: A Systems Model

Abstract

The educational satellite is a new innovation under the broad concept of educational technology. While satellites have been used for nearly a decade for various kinds of scientific experimentation and military applications, they have only recently been programmed into the problem solving process in areas generally considered social in nature. Moreover, in the education category of social services, the educational satellite experimentation is just getting underway. Personnel of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, for example, in cooperation with researchers of the Federation of Rocky Mountain States and the Appalachian Regional Commission, are presently undertaking a series of experiments to determine the feasibility of using a satellite in the educational process. Such an undertaking is a new experience for the educational community. While educators have a background in the introduction of technology at the classroom level, their experience with the systems approach to the use of educational technology is very limited. Consequently, a frame of reference for integrating such technology into an educational system is needed. Such a frame of reference is developed in this paper.

A systems model is suggested, based upon the flow of educational material, feedback information, and support activities. Various system elements are identified, designated as subsystems, and named according to the function to be performed at various points in the process. A total of nine subsystems are developed, and named as follows: 1) The Design and Production Subsystem, 2) The Transmission Subsystem, 3) The Satellite Subsystem, 4) The Reception and Distribution Subsystem, 5) The Classroom Subsystem, 6) The Evaluation Subsystem, 7) The Logistics Subsystem, 8) The Administrative Subsystem, and 9) The Maintenance Subsystem.