The Ministry of National Education Laments the “Digital Catastrophe” While Perpetuating It
Contradictory Messages on Technology in French Education
The French educational system appears to be sending mixed signals regarding the role of technology in schools.
The “Digital Break” vs. Embracing AI
In April, the Minister of National Education expressed a desire to see a “digital break” generalized to all middle schools in the coming academic year, citing the “numerous harmful consequences of screens” and aiming to ensure the “well-being and success” of students.
However, just two months prior, the same minister seemed unconcerned that “almost all students and high schoolers are already using AI [artificial intelligence], as well as a large number of middle schoolers.” Instead, she expressed concern that “only 20% of teachers regularly use AI.” She emphatically announced support for the “enlightened appropriation” of this “revolution in progress” by the entire educational community. This would involve mandatory training for students and investments of over 20 million euros in AI for staff and users.
A History of Contradiction
This contradiction is not new. It dates back to at least Jean-Michel Blanquer, former Minister of National Education. Early in his tenure, he announced a ban on cell phones in schools and middle schools to “protect students from the distraction caused by screens and phones.” (In practice, cell phone use is not banned, but regulated.) A few months later, he created a “lab” within the ministry designed for screen vendors to demonstrate their digital tools. He later announced that the “education of tomorrow” would involve robots and virtual reality headsets.
Since then, this contradictory communication has continued, directed at staff, students, and families. In January 2024, Gabriel Attal expressed concern about the “educational and health catastrophe in the making” of screens, while also announcing the generalization of AI in schooling a month earlier. More recently, Elisabeth Borne called for “disconnecting from digital work spaces and Pronote, ensuring that there are no updates during a period that, at the very least, would be from 8 PM to 7 AM.”
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