Journal :: Bosch, A. (1997). Interactive Radio Instruction: Twenty-three Years of Improving Educational Quality. Education and Technology Notes, 1(1), 1 - 9.

last updated: 2008-05-09 14:51:30

Abstract

This technical note provides an overview of Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) and elaborates some of the commonalities and research findings in an effort to explore the difference of IRI from other distant learning methods. After 23 years from its initial venture, IRI continues to be an attractive educational strategy in developing countries. IRI is an educational methodology involving the use of interactive lessons in which an audio component delivered by an "audio teacher" through a radio or cassette, and classroom activities of learners are integrated. Its methodology differs from other distant learning methods in many aspects including the activity required of the learners, the subject matter, age and background of learners, background of teacher or facilitator, and the learning environment. Despite the many changes and adjustment it had undergone over the years in order to become a more culturally appropriate and educationally updated, studies consistently demonstrate that IRI can help close urban-rural equity gaps and gender gaps and still proved to be more cost-effective than any other interventions. Moreover, evaluated projects have repeatedly suggested that IRI offers effective learning to students and ameliorates other obstacles to education and substantial learning gains.

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