The MRD Studio was established to provide education in Barbados with the capacity to deliver the very best in audio and visual aids namely radio lessons and prerecorded video productions. On the 24th March the MRD launched Educational Television by a special telecast. Educational Television owned and operated the first coloured television sets in Barbados and in the Caribbean. The Ministry of Education, the Barbados Telephone Company and the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation sponsored the project.
The educational progarmmes produced in the Studio by the Media Resource Department were carried on CBC TV Channel 3. A cable placed underground along the road linked the Studio to the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation and the equipment in the schools.
The programmes featured the subjects of Science, English and Spanish. Thirteen broadcasts per week were telecast on these subject areas. In its first year Educational Television showed programmes to about 2000 children.
The task of producing materials from the use of incorrect equipment was very difficult and Educational Television therefore experienced some problems in transmitting materials to the schools and with the reception of Educational Television in schools. These challenges along with changing technologies brought an end to that aspect of operations in 1987.
During the period 1987 until 2003 conditions at the studio declined and in late 2003 an agreement between Government Information Service and the Ministry of Education was reached on joint use and refurbishment of the facilities during this financial year.
MRD Projects
Over the years MRD has produced many projects. One such project was Project 2003 which was the seventh in the series of projects co-ordinated by the Media Resource Department. The department's promotion of the use of the project method as one of the strategies for teaching was well received by teachers and students alike.
The main objectives of these projects are to enable educators to:
1. express their understanding of the importance of media in a collaborative learning environment
2. demonstrate their understanding of the processes involved in executing class based projects
3. realize their potential as authors and producers in the design of indigenous software
4. more effectively plan and set up displays resulting from children's research
5. recognize and respond to the needs of the physically challenged.
Interest in MRD PROJECTS heightened with the implementation of the Education Sector Enhancement Programme. The standard of work submitted by schools has been constantly improving over the years and this is born out in the excellent displays seen every year at BMEX and this year 100% Bajan Expo.
The department could not have achieved success it had over the past years without the corporate community who provided incentives for the schools in the form of hardware and software that children can utilize.
Training for participants of participating schools has always been a part of these projects and the result of the training workshops are not only seen in the quality of activities produced but also in the packaging.