The effects of using cassette-tape recordings for programming in a rural radio school program in Ecuador were examined. Radio schools broadcasted five afternoons a week and offered a primary school equivalency certificate at the completion of the course. Students were under the direction of an "Auxiliar" who followed the directions of the broadcaster. The project provided cassette recorders to the auxiliaries. The goals of allowing the free use of tape recorders by radio school participants were to achieve heightened feelings of self-worth, increased community development-related knowledge, and improved numeracy and literacy skills. Auxiliaries were provided minimal training in technical and interviewing skills. Cassette recorders were distributed and tapes returned to the radio station for broadcasting. Programs included a planning meeting for a community work project, music, a discussion of "Indian Power," and new readers practicing their skills. As a means of evaluation, questionnaires which covered literacy skills and questions of self-worth and community development were administered before the recorders were used and again six months after they had been in use. Results from the questionnaire plus tangible evidence of progress indicated that the recorders are effective instruments in raising self-esteem and increasing knowledge. (KC)