REPORT 🎙️ The City of Béziers, in partnership with various stakeholders, has been implementing an equipment and usage development plan for three years. This initiative was significantly accelerated thanks to the « Educational Digital Territories » program, from which the Hérault department benefited.
Going beyond merely equipping the city’s schools, this project involves collaboration between the city’s IT Department (DSI), educational stakeholders, frontline teachers, district inspectors, and the DRANE (Digital Regional Support for Education) of the Montpellier Academy. LUDOMAG interviewed elected officials, teachers, and inspectors to better understand the impact of this initiative.
Following the recognition of Béziers as the 2024 Coup de Cœur for municipalities and territories at LUDOVIA#21, we spent a day reporting on the city’s schools to see the progress firsthand.
Key Findings:
The development of digital education in Béziers’ schools is the result of an « alchemy » born from the collaboration of individuals from different backgrounds who aimed to achieve more than a standard equipment plan. Alberte Frey, municipal official in charge of schools and families, and Hélène Oliete, district inspector and IEN (Inspector for Digital Education), describe it as a shared desire to go above and beyond.
The city and national education authorities worked « hand in hand » to transform Béziers’ schools—many of which were in great need—by providing digital tools for education. As a result, projects such as web radio initiatives, interactive digital whiteboards (ENI), tablets, software, and digital resources were deployed and are now in use in most of the city’s schools.
Sustained Efforts Beyond Initial Programs
Although the TNE initiative is nearing its end, the organization and infrastructure set up during its implementation continue. City agents and the DSI staff responsible for project maintenance and follow-up remain vigilant, addressing teachers’ daily requests promptly.
City officials are firmly convinced that this broad « investment » is invaluable in providing essential support to students and families, emphasizing its lasting importance in educational outcomes.
