The central aim of this project was to contribute towards the development of common agreements regarding the constitution of an appropriate information and communications technology (ICT) educational curriculum for the present and for the future of young children throughout Europe. The project was also developed to raise awareness of the information and communication technology (ICT) projects currently being developed through the i3 Experimental School Environment (ESE) initiative and the considerable innovation taking place independently in a number of primary schools, nurseries and kindergartens throughout Europe.

Activities

DATEC conducted a sytematic and comprehensive survey of current (and planned) developments in the application of information and control technology (ICT) to early years education (ages 0-8). Interim reports were presented at conferences, and published as research papers and consultative documents. Extensive consultations were carried out that involved representatives from a wide range of European early childhood organisations and ICT educators. Following these consultations, DATEC provided schools, pre-schools, and curriculum development agencies with authoritative guidance on the developmental appropriacy of a wide range of ICT applications that were employed and under development between 1999 and 2003.

Outcomes Expected

DATECs major legacy has been the curriculum guidance materials produced for educational policy makers and primary and pre-school practitioners. It will also include a policy statement on developmentally appropriate practice in ICT education for 0 – 8 year olds, and 12 extensively trailed Multimedia case studies of ‘good practice’.

The Seven Principles for Good Practice are available for download  in Adobe pdf format (263k)