C o n s u l t i n g A c t i v i t i e s P u b l i c a t i o n s Universal Digital Access H O M E

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Our Expertise   Teacher's training The digital era has massively incorporated children and young people in the world of technology: videogames, internet, word processors, graphical devices, CD Roms, etc. The students show an understanding and control of these new technologies that sometimes are ahead of their own teachers. Our proposal is to start by training the teachers. In our experience this procedure is highly beneficial: the computer sciences become available for all and the adults loose their fears. We suggest to create the " missing classroom" in elementary schools, high schools and colleges in order to provide an exclusive site for teacher's learning, with the best instructors and equipments. The results will be a good surprise for all. Experimental psychology B&D has developed a scientific expertise in the human/machine interface. We are concerned with the fair adaptation of the machine to the user needs and not the contrary, as is frequently done. In this sense we always study carefully the best way to give a friendly access to computers from the point of view of ergonomics and functionality. Educational psychology In our present educational practice it is necessary to know the substantial changes that have been introduced in the intimacy of the teaching and learning processes due to the use of the digital tools. We organize workshops, lectures and seminars with parents and teachers to discuss the deep cultural transformations involved in the current use of the digital technology. We are deeply concerned with the development of the new generations in the digital era. Telecommunications We have a long experience on this subject. We have started with local computer networks in the schools for the deaf well before they were introduced in other educational institutions. We have also analyzed thousands of electronic mails from students and teachers, but still we have much to learn about a genuine educational use of the web, a task that has only begun. In consequence we pay special attention to the correct implementation of telecommunication's equipment at school, starting with the public telephones and ending with Internet. Architectural design for learning We are concerned with the proper physical space for learning. It is common to see the computers in a special room or laboratory, under a strict adult control and for an exclusive use. On the contrary, we recommend a better distribution of the equipment and a free access for all at all times. We have developed the concept of the "extended classroom": computers for everybody and everywhere, in libraries, halls, corridors and yards. We propose to change the traditional classroom concept, to enhance the use of laptops &endash; in the school and outside &endash; as well to stimulate digital links between the school and the home.