Jules Romains Middle School in Nice gets the first “Digital Media” class in Alpes-Maritimes

As part of Press and Media Week in schools from March 25-29, 2013, the launch of the “Digital Media” class at Jules Romains middle school will be one of its highlights. Indeed, under the guidance of their teacher, Jean-Paul Delbrayelle, 6th grade students from the school will inaugurate their web journal and their brand new web radio and record their first radio broadcast on Monday, March 25 in the school’s premises in the presence of numerous personalities. Interview with a teacher truly online…

Nice Premium: Jean-Paul Delbrayelle, explain your digital classroom concept to us?

Jean-Paul Delbrayelle: As part of the Jules Romains middle school’s school project, we created a thematic “digital” class last year. The results were not positive because it quickly became clear that using digital just to use modern tools didn’t bring much to the students. It was also difficult to extend this project to all subjects taught.

The idea of transforming this class into a “digital media” class gives full meaning to this project; media literacy is an ideal support for using modern digital tools.

Writing, reading, speaking, seeking and analyzing information provides numerous skills to students. The use of digital tools also makes it possible to break down classroom barriers since students can work from home or any other place with an internet connection.

NP: What are the goals to achieve through this project?

JPD: By using digital tools, we motivate students more. First and foremost, this is about working on fundamentals such as acquiring writing and speaking skills. The platforms offered through this project differ from the endless ruled notebook read and corrected only by the teacher. Here, children want to write, they will be read or heard by a wide readership and, as a result, they apply themselves more to expressing themselves correctly and producing quality content. Beyond that, of course, we can cite the improvement of autonomy, teamwork and of course media education

NP: You are counting on numerous partners for implementation, what are you still missing today?

JPD: We have been fortunate to have many partners at our side who responded favorably to our sponsorship request. These sponsors share the same passion for the world of media and education. Some did not hesitate to donate their free time to lead workshops with students or receive us in their offices such as at IPAG Nice.

NP: On Monday, March 25, a first event will mark Press and Media Week at school and your project. Can you tell us more?

JPD: We decided to coincide Press and Media Week with the inauguration of our class’s online newspaper and the recording of our first radio broadcast under live conditions. On this occasion, we will receive a delegation from the regional education authority and CLEMI, and we even expect the presence of the Rector. You can imagine the stress of the students 😉

NP: And what are the other upcoming projects?

JPD: First of all, to ensure that the radio and online newspaper continue to exist next year and open up to all volunteer students and stakeholders in the educational system in the neighborhood. From a purely material point of view, we would have an additional small satisfaction if we obtained a grant of digital tablets to further expand the range of possible activities.
We are also opening a new “interview” section that will feature testimonies from local or national personalities.

NP: In the long term, is the “Digital Media” class project destined to democratize in other schools?

JPD: With my dual role as Technology teacher and assistant to the academic delegate for media education at the regional education authority, my mission is to develop this concept in all schools that wish it, whether in Var or in Alpes-Maritimes. CLEMI has moreover acquired a portable radio studio that we will be able to make available to schools.

NP: Finally, what more do you wish for your “Digital Media” class in the years to come?

JPD: I would certainly have great satisfaction if, in the years to come, we managed to inspire passions and create future journalists, even if that’s not the goal of this class. It would just be fantastic if the online newspaper and web radio were recognized as real media in their own right.