The Information Society and Education: Synthesis of the National Reports.

Two major areas of focus emerge from this synthesis of national reports: the question of how to teach students critical and autonomous judgement with regard to the mass media, and how best to use new information and communication technology (NICT) and the media for educational purposes. It is noted that, although there are differences of approach among countries and varying attitudes and value judgements about the use of NICT in the classroom, most agree that NICT will be a useful educational tool. Distinctions are made between providing education in the enlightened use of information, using information technology for teaching and learning, and teaching about information technology. NICT's capacity to facilitate worldwide communication is cited, and several NICT-related objectives are suggested: to teach pupils the capacity to synthesize what they are exposed to in the media; develop and exercise their critical faculties; preserve cultural heritages; teach judgement in choosing media resources; offer equal educational opportunity for all; and teach self-expression. The paper argues that a key factor in teaching with NICT is encouraging active interaction with the material and between teacher and student, and that adequate teacher training programs must be established. Further educational results of mass information media are cited: the founding of open universities; the use of television and radio broadcasts, cassettes, and computers in distance education; and improvement of education for the disabled. A brief discussion of the copyright problem concludes the paper. Twelve footnoted references and a 14-item bibliography are provided. (MAB)