ERIC Number: ED246898
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Mar
Pages: 82
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Potential Use of the Australian Satellite Communications System for School of the Air and Enhanced Educational Services. Report Prepared for the Commonwealth/State Advisory Committee on the Educational Use of Communications Technology.
Davies, N. G.; Gillam, J. A.
This report considers the potential for the use of the Australian Communications Satellite System (ACSS) for the Australian Schools of the Air (SOTAs) and the delivery of enhanced educational services, and develops the concept of all SOTAs operating through one transponder in a national beam. An evolutionary introduction of satellite transmission for teacher-to-student links and use of a combination of satellite, telephone, and HF transmission facilities for student-to-teacher links are specifically suggested. Cost estimates for various alternatives in implementing improved SOTAs are developed for comparative purposes. Discussion of enhanced educational services includes the identification of transmission facilities that could be provided through satellite links. In particular, the part-time use of the Homestead and Community Broadcasting Satellite Service (HACBSS) 30-watt transponder for broadcasting of educational television programs and of the 12-watt transponders for television distribution to schools is examined. Appendices include a calculation of the number of sound program channels of specified quality, a link analysis of student response channels, a link analysis for television transmission using a 12-watt transponder, a scenario for the evolutionary introduction of satellite communication links in the SOTAs, and estimates of transmission costs. (LMM)
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Australian Dept. of Communications, Canberra.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A