The microcomputer as an educational aid for developing the pupils' autonomy: an experiment carried out at the Lycée Pilote Innovant

The Lycée Pilote Innovant is part of the education area within the Parc Futuroscope. It has a conventional curriculum but is an experiment in pedagogy: computers support teaching, training and self-study. The initial choice was for a “distributed” architecture. Now, after three years, some positive observations can be made. Computer use is standard and everyday practice, leaving more time for “noble” activities, aimed at methodology. Information technology offers opportunities for breaking down barriers between disciplines and offers proof of real contemporary scientific exploration. Some worrying aspects are: little use of vidéotex equipment, of teachware and of interactive video. And there are structural, budgetary and internal obstacles. Evolution in equipment is from a distributed architecture to a network. Measures to ensure success are: training of the teachers and provisions for maintenance. The gap between demand and innovative, quality supply should not be too big. Conditions for transfer of the experiment are: computers as a standard and everyday tool, free access for students as well as staff and a network of lycées.