Conditions for an effective integration of educational technologies in secondary schools

It has been at least ten years since computers were introduced into French schools on a significant scale. They are used for several purposes, mainly for vocational training and administrative activities. They are still “tools for specialists” for a lot of teachers.

This paper first lists the main possible uses of computers in secondary schools. On the basis of the results of research carried out during the year 1989 by the author for the French ministery of education, it then describes which of those uses have been put into practice in French schools and which have not. Finally, after pointing out the pitfalls which hinder the development of better computer use in schools, a list of possible short term actions is provided, as well as some important research questions.