Teaching technology

The Cyberécoles (”cyberschools”) program was begun in 1998 to encourage integration of new technologies in schools. At the time, society was in a transitional phase with regard to computerization. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) were part of everyday life, but too few homes were equipped with computers. Concerning schools, IT teaching was in its infancy. For the Cyberécoles program, initiated by consulting firm Accenture, the idea was not only to mass purchase computers, but to train both students and teachers in new technologies. In the Paris and Lyons regions of France, “cybervolunteers” from Accenture set up workshops to encourage integration of deprived pupils. The program included TV documentaries, the creation of Web sites and even a “virtual class” that brought together pupils from several European countries (Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Poland, etc.) for four hours. Since September 2000, Cyberécoles has had a site where teachers and classes can exchange their experiences. Since September 2001, the program has also published an electronic newsletter the Flash Cyberécoles, which offers, in particular, technical specs and methodology to help teachers with IT projects.