Euro-Mediterranean joint teachers' and trainers' development teams : an open proposal

Abstract

In accord with the objectives of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership Policy we propose joint Euro-Mediterranean telematised teams for the development of computer mediated communications-based courses of studies. The development teams will be composed of teacher educators or in-service trainers from the different countries of the area. A collaborative approach requiring essential input from all partners to the joint final product will guide the establishment and working procedures of the different teams. Communications tools supporting joint work of these teams will be selected following an appropriate technology orientation. Appropriate technologies like email (store and forward, online! offline), mail and file servers, email based working groups and virtual seminars allow full participation of developers established in countries where the telecommunications infrastructure still needs to be enhanced. The content of the CMC modules/courses of studies to be developed by the joint teams will focus on subject matters of mutual interest for Euro-Mediterranean countries, e.g.: translation and adaptation of existing modules to local needs; methodologies for introducing teachers to the use of the network in current educational practice; 'water' as an interdisciplinary focus of studies; a comparative' approach to different sources of the common cultural heritage; training trainers in drug prevention programs; and an historical approach to Mathematics (stressing the Arab contribution).