French schools to go 100% digital
Interactive blackboards, high-speed internet and homework podcasts could become the norm in every school by 2012
EVERY school in France should be equipped with high-speed internet and digital teaching equipment by 2012 to catch up with the rest of Europe, a report commissioned by the government has urged.
Education Minister Luc Chatel yesterday promised a "very ambitious" long-term plan to get more technology in classrooms and give better training to teachers.
He was handed a series of recommendations on improving digital access in schools in a report by UMP politician Jean-Michel Fourgous, who found that France is in 24th place out of the EU's 27 member states for classroom technology.
Six per cent of schools use interactive whiteboards, compared with 78% in the UK, and 75% have internet access compared with 94% in the UK and 98% in Denmark.
The research - based on interviews with 12,000 teachers, pupils, parents and unions - found that French schools had an average of eight computers for every 100 pupils, compared with 17 in the UK. Some 97% have a dedicated computer room but they are under-used - operating at 10% capacity.
Mr Fourgous wants 6,000 teachers to be the first to be trained on how to make better use of technology in lessons. These "digital ambassadors" will then share their knowledge with colleagues.
One key area for improvement is language teaching. The report recommends the widespread use of podcasts as a homework device for children learning spoken language skills.
The report has also called for a government fund to be set up to give financial help to schools investing in new technology, with various tax breaks including a VAT cut from 19.6% to 5.5% on equipment.
Mr Chatel welcomed the report and said he would announce a firm plan by April.
jaylopez - Fotolia.com
