| Abstract: | A new approach to solving some of the problems that information, education, and communication (IEC) programs have been facing is proposed. The approach is based on the use of the "Appropriate Practical and Technical Information Section Cube" (APTISC). The APTISC model can systematically identify 64 different types of IEC programs. The approach logically arises from the following principles of effective IEC and should therefore be acceptable: problem-oriented, people-oriented, practical oriented, and professional-or technical-oriented. To start developing the IEC program systematically, one begins by asking the following simple questions: what is the problem; who are the people responsible for these problems; and what type of professional or technical knowledge is needed to solve the lack of knowledge, attitude, practice, or IEC capabilities (KAPI). The problem may be lack of knowledge (K), attitude (A), practice (P), of IEC capabilities (I) or any combination of them. A lack of KAPI can arise from various groups of people, and these groups must be identified. The type of professional or technical knowledge needed to solve the lack of KAPI can be divided into 4 types, i.e., technical information, technical application, technical practice, and technical supervision. For the purpose of actually developing the program the identified cube can be broken down into 4 main components: M1 = man (who is the comminicator); M2 = message (to be received by the audience); M3 = method (to transmit the message); and M4 = media (to convey the message). Each of these components has to be identified before the program can be initiated. Other supporting components can also be considered, e.g., management, material, morale, and money. These should be analyzed in relation to IEC programs being developed. It is worth considering the application of the APTISC Approach in developing IEC programs. This approach will help maximize the effectiveness of available resources by concentrating them on the areas of greastest need. |
