This new school year may be the opportunity for pupils and teachers to take advantage of the special infrastructure set up for them in some schools. The multimedia room, a concept introduced last year, is one of them. So far these facilities have been provided in six schools: Bon Accueil, Sok Appadu, Basant Rai, Roches-Noires, Burrenchobay and R. Balgobin government schools. They could provide an opportunity to revolutionise the way pupils are educated?

The setting up of such rooms is part of the ministry?s plan to introduce a more technology-based education for all pupils. ?They provide access to equipment, both hardware and software that support the teaching process, including television sets, computers, CD-ROMs, films, books and other educational software,? states the brochure. In view of the general criticism the sector has been facing for several years about education in Mauritius being too bookish and academically oriented, the multimedia room presents a golden opportunity to open up the minds of pupils.

These materials are not only an effective way of putting them in touch with technological tools but they can also prove to be extremely efficient for progress in languages ? and particularly English. ?The aim is to provide an audio-visual setting within the school and to meet the needs of both students and teachers by providing support materials, both print and non-print, generated by the school curriculum.?

One of the most regular factors quoted to explain the low level of English in schools is the fact that pupils are not exposed to the language. This has been underlined by several experts. Watching a film in English in the multimedia room is only one example of what can be done. Not only will it enable the child to be in a different (and maybe more pleasant) environment but it is also a good way of increasing familiarity with languages other than one?s own.

This is probably why the ministry of Education recommends, ? establishing a scheduled weekly library period so that every class can benefit from it?. This room can also be a good way of initiating learners to become more independent and do their own research on specific topics. ?Students may come to the Médiathèque individually or in small groups for study or research or to prepare projects or pursue topics related to class activities with the help of their teachers,? says the ministry.

Teachers are seen as guides to help students plan how to use their time effectively. This could be a good way of gradually getting rid of the spoon-fed approach to education? And teachers must be happy to be given effective tools to help their learners progress. This concept should certainly be extended to more schools in the future.