RESOLUTION of the Council and the Ministers for Education, meeting within the Council, of 19 September 1983 on measures relating to the introduction of new information technology in education

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THE MINISTERS FOR EDUCATION, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Treaties establishing the European Communities,

Referring to the resolution of the Council and of the Ministers for Education, meeting within the Council, of 9 February 1976 comprising an action programme in the field of education (1);

Referring to the resolution of the Council and of the Ministers for Education, meeting within the Council, of 12 July 1982 concerning measures to be taken to improve the preparation of young people for work and to facilitate their transition from education to working life (2);

Referring to the Council resolution of 2 June 1983 concerning vocational training measures relating to new information technologies (3), inviting the Commission to launch Community initiatives in order to supplement and support measures at Member State level in the field of vocational training;

Referring to the other measures decided on by the Council relating to a Community strategy in the field of new information technology and particularly that relating to preparatory activities for promoting European industrial competitiveness;

Whereas the European Council held in Brussels in June 1982 laid stress on the development of a Community industrial strategy based on a technology and innovation policy ; whereas the European Council held in Copenhagen in December 1982 emphasized the importance of preparing young people to meet the needs of tomorrow's high-technology industries;

Whereas, in its resolution of 11 March 1982 (4), the European Parliament considered that the introduction of new information technology in the field of education necessitates cooperation between the Member States and an active contribution from the Commission;

Whereas new information technology will have a significant influence on all the aspects of life for which education must prepare young people;

Whereas the need to provide all young people with a basic knowledge of new information technology and its consequences is a new challenge to the education system which must be met by a joint effort by schools, parents and the media, together with an effort by vocational and continuing training;

Stressing that education has an important contribution to make in mastering technological, social and cultural changes and that this contribution not only relates to the needs of future working life but at the same time constitutes a means of development of an independent, creative personality;

Taking note of the report prepared by the Commission,

HEREBY ADOPT THIS RESOLUTION:

I

The Member States note that it is ever more important for school to familiarize young people with new information technology in order to provide better chances for future generations. Teaching in this field must introduce pupils to the practical use of new information technology and provide them with a basic understanding of the operation, the possible applications and the limitations of such technology. (1) OJ No C 38, 19.2.1976, p. 1. (2) OJ No C 193, 28.7.1982, p. 1. (3) OJ No C 166, 25.6.1983, p. 1. (4) OJ No C 87, 5.4.1982, p. 90.

To ensure adequate preparation for working and private life, it is essential that young people be taught not only to use information technology as a tool but also to judge its effects on everyday life and its social significance.

II

At Community level, and in order to supplement and support the action of the Member States, the initiatives listed below will be implemented during the period up to 31 December 1987: 1. The organization of a series of meetings - seminars and symposia - aimed as pooling the experience of the Member States concerning the introduction of new information technology into the curriculum, particularly on the following points: (i) objectives and appropriate methods for familiarization of pupils with new information technology and its effects;

(ii) the possibilities of application of new information technology in the different subjects taught in schools and possible consequences for the organization of teaching

(iii) the potential contribution of new information technology for the education of children with special needs;

(iv) Strategies leading to greater participation by girls in the school and education activities concerned by new information technology;

(v) the relationship between teaching in schools, vocational training and other more advanced training, in respect of the task of promoting familiarization with new information technology and mastery of it.

2. The organization of a programme of exchanges and visits intended mainly for those training teachers, in order to broaden their practical and professional experience.

3. Comparative studies in order to increase the transferability of software and teaching programmes and to identify better the educational value of the various hardware systems.

4. The development of a process for exchanging information and experience data ; taking into account the utilization hitherto of the Eurydice network.

III

The Community initiatives referred to in point II will be implemented so as to supplement the Community initiatives undertaken concerning new technology in the field of vocational training and in close liaison with those relating to the transition of young people from education to working life.

IV

The Education Committee will monitor implementation of the programme on the basis of regular progress reports from the Commission. It will draw up an overall report by 30 June 1988 on the outcome of initiatives taken at Community level and in the Member States.

V

The Community's financing of the measures specified in point II and the volume thereof will be decided in accordance with the Community budgetary rules and procedures.

VI

This resolution, together with the report prepared by the Commission, will be forwarded to the European Parliament and to the Economic and Social Committee.