Abstract EN:

Through semi-directive interviews and content analysis of emails exchanged between physics teachers using two institutional mailing lists, we have tried to evaluate the new and changing roles and practices of teachers since the introduction of TPE and ICT in French high schools. The archives of these two lists are a rich source of the typical exchanges which occur between physics teachers and a good example of how the ones who participate contribute to the community, but also benefit from the community. The real and functioning teaching networks created by physics teachers count among the first relevant and concrete examples of such virtual communities. This new approach to education creates truly collaborative learning opportunities guided by shared aims and objectives. The interviewed physics teachers consider ICT and the use of mailing lists as elements which have inserted themselves naturally alongside other more traditional teaching methods and practices. For them, the lists can thus be likened to a kind of ongoing at distance training course. Furthermore, participating teachers are in the process of rapidly sharing and redistributing information and methods, this contributes to the ongoing training of the community based on practical experience. The interviews have clearly shown the changing role of physics teachers who in the context of TPE are more and more viewed by their students as active collaborators and guides in the learning process. Teachers when commenting about the positive aspects of TPE have emphasized the improvement and renewal of teacher -student relationships as well as the development of a higher level of student autonomy.