The introduction of Information Technology was hailed as a major development in the primary sector when it was introduced some years back. However it appears that the scope of this subject is too wide and that a lot remains to be done to allow children to take full advantage of it. So perhaps there is need for a redefinition of certain objectives regarding this subject.

Young teachers in schools have made a number of proposals that the authorities need to study and consider for implementation in the interest of pupils. There are at present some ten or fifteen computers in every school, the aim of which is to familiarize pupils with their use. It appears that a number of decisions have already been taken that will bring about important changes in the teaching of the subject as well as the use of computers.

A new development which has taken place recently is that Information Technology has been integrated in the program of studies of student teachers at the MIE. This is a strong indication that in the years to come the authorities may call upon teachers themselves to teach the subject in schools instead of specialist teachers as is the case so far.

The new recruits have already proposed that in addition to the existing computers in schools they ought to be given special facilities to purchase their own laptops for use in their own classes as this will be very helpful for pupils. The young teachers have also proposed that schools should be provided with projectors which will allow them to use Information Technology in class instead of restricting its use exclusively to IT classrooms as is the case now.

Many people hold the view that the time has come for the authorities to make use of IT or to integrate it in as many subjects as possible instead of keeping it as a separate subject. It may for example allow teachers to show in class how a volcano erupts and how lava flows instead of continuing the present traditional method of teaching the topic which seems to have outlived its time with the advent of the new technology. Teachers also opine that that there is a need now for schools to be provided with internet facilities as there is no doubt that this will revolutionize teaching and at the same time learning in schools.

There is only a restricted number of schools which have set up their own web-sites and it is time now for our schools to launch this innovative project which could provide a boost for the school as well as for its partners. This project would allow children and schools to connect to other schools in the country as well as in foreign countries and at the same time to interact with them.

<B> Teacher</B> <I>Ralliement des Démocrates</I>