Comenius: the European Education Programme

Concrete aims and a synthesis of the project

 The European Union Socrates Programme includes the Comenius Projects, which aim at promoting intercultural awareness and improving the quality of teaching in schools. That quality can be extended throughout Europe by encouraging cooperation between its schools.

 The Comenius Projects provide the chance for teachers and students from at least three different European countries to work together on one or more themes of common interest during normal school activities. Those taking part can discuss their experiences and explore aspects of cultural, social and economic differences in Europe. They can also learn to understand and appreciate the points of view of others. Furthermore, in a Comenius Project, the acquisition of foreign languages is encouraged, enabling greater mobility within the European Union. Participants can face the challenges of modern times by using the latest technology.

 Our Comenius Project is called “TRADITION AND NEW TECHNOLOGY: A CHALLENGE FOR THE FUTURE” and it began in September, 2005 with Liceo “Leonardo da Vinci” as its coordinator. Its partners are two Spanish schools – Istituto Ciudad de Jaen in Madrid and Collegio Vizcaya Coop. de Enzenanza  in Zamudio - Basque, a German school – the Martin-Niemöller-Schule in Wiesbaden, a Greek school - 6° Esperino TEE in  Thessaloniki, a Polish school – Liceum Ogolnoksztalcace Tadeusza Kosciuski  in Wielun, and an Italian school – Istituto d’Istruzione Superiore “A.M. Maffucci”  in Calitri (AV).

The project proposes to examine the many aspects of new technology and its evolution, such as science and genetics in medicine and the fields of industry and telecommunications. In addition, we will consider the profound modifications which these sudden and unpredictable developments have created in today’s world and will continue to create in tomorrow’s.

 Our research will be multidisciplinary, concentrating on the sciences (chemistry, biology, geography, and physics), information technology, art, and literature. Although the main language for communication will be English, the use of other languages will be encouraged throughout the project.

 The aim of the project is not only to individualise the new, evermore homogenous cultural scene which heralds new technology, but at the same time to highlight characteristics of the various national cultures as a stimulus for the creation of a European community fully aware of its roots.

Using the new technological means of communication, partner schools will view the results of each other’s research at meetings planned for teachers and students.