Commissioner Cresson launches Netd@ys 98
The European Commissioner for research, innovation, education, training and youth, Edith Cresson, officially launched Netd@ys 98 in Brussels, Belgium, on 15 October 1998. The initiative forms part of the action plan for "Learning in the Information Society", launched in 1996 to stimulate the use of information technology in learning environments, and is actively supported under the EU's COMENIUS programme for cooperation between schools. The overall aim is to inform the public on the educational opportunities offered by new media, in particular the Internet. It also aims to stimulate school networks and to disseminate experiences launched at a local, regional and national level. Netd@ys 98, which will take place from 17 to 24 October 1998, is the second consecutive year of the event and will involve the participation of over 30,000 schools, as well as all the Education Ministries from the EU's Member States. The activities undertaken will help to promote the design of new educational tools, as well as help to create and extend networks between schools, libraries and training centres. It will involve the participation of other educational establishments, such as vocational training centres, cultural organisations, cyber-theatres, youth and cultural centres, and even hospitals. A total of around 1,000 projects will be presented during the week, which will comprise more than 4,000 events. A variety of themes will be covered, such as the environment, biology, mathematics, astronomy, history, philosophy, arts and culture, literature, the economy, citizenship and solidarity. The training of teachers and common problems facing teachers, parents and headmasters will be also be addressed. Netd@ys projects will also enable the setting up of new types of partnerships between businesses and public authorities in the fields of knowledge and culture.