From the didactics of computer science towards the didactics of instrumental activities with ICT

In primary and secondary education in France, there is no real place for computer science as such. What is considered is limited to some general software (like word processors and internet browser) with the vision that practice in itself is sufficient for users to acquire their necessary mastery. ICT (Information and communication technology) has to be used for the learning of classical subject matters in a utilitarian and somehow interdisciplinary context. An analysis of the current situation gives interesting results and reveals new stakes that go largely beyond the strictly utilitarian framework. The real competencies of most users are far weaker than might be expected. Users and computer software have changed. Experimentation, modelisation and so on are possible with computer technologies. That leads to new vision of the place of ICT or computer science and therefore of didactics of informatics in connection with computer instrumented activities.