Schools and the Information Society
The European Commission has launched an action plan entitled "Learning in the Information Society" designed to speed up the process in which schools embrace the new tools of the Information Society. The action plan proposes four main lines of action, and underlines the educational importance of the latest Information Society products. Currently, there are many obstacles to the full implementation of Information Society resources in schools and training establishments across Europe. Many schools' computer equipment is neither available in sufficient quantities, or of a high enough standard, to make full use of Information Society tools. There is also a need to train teachers in the use of new tools and teaching methods. The action plan contains the following four action lines, which focus on primary and secondary schools (including vocational schools), and target the weak links in the educational chain in respect of information technology resources: - Encouraging the interconnection of schools, at all levels (regional, national and European); - Stimulating the development and dissemination of teaching "content" of European interest; - Promoting training and support for teachers and trainers, aimed at using new technology in their teaching methods; - Informing all concerned about the teaching opportunities afforded by the new technologies. The Commission suggests that the necessary funding may be obtained from a variety of sources, including from Community resources available under the following programmes: - MEDIA II and INFO2000, aimed at developing "content"; - SOCRATES and LEONARDO DA VINCI, education and training action programmes; - The Telematics Applications, ESPRIT and Targeted Socio-Economic Research (TSER) specific RTD programmes; - Joint calls coordinated by the Commission Task Force on "Educational and multimedia software"; - The Trans-European telematics network; - Structural Funds. Other funding possibilities suggested by the Commission include the promotion of permanent partnerships between the public and private sectors and the possible setting up of a European entity (such as a private foundation) for channelling resources. The Commission also suggests the organization of publicity events to encourage general goodwill. These could include: an action weekend of networked schools to show what is being done; or a European competition for the best educational multimedia products organized in partnership with young people and teachers.