- A unique learning community of professionals.
- Supports teamwork, empowers cultural awareness and fosters shared understanding.
- Models lifelong learning to pupils.
- Inclusive, free to join, safe and easy to use.
The review
Educators are now global agents of change and thanks to the internet we can learn from and support our peers, share ideas, and exchange resources easily. One brilliant way to connect with colleagues in other countries is to join the eTwinning learning community, which is managed by the British Council in the UK. It’s an exciting platform for European teachers to interconnect, pool resources and develop projects together. Nearly half a million teachers and 4 in 10 schools in Europe have already participated.
eTwinning allows you to access diverse ideas, approaches and perspectives. This is the largest community of teachers in Europe so there is a lot of brainpower on tap. It encourages you to ask more critical questions of each other, share teaching treasures and move forward together. eTwinning also offers a safe, online environment for cross-border education projects, and provides schools with highly accessible tools to enhance digital learning and support intercultural and international partnerships.
There are over 60,000 projects already up and running, along with tools to help you create your own. This is a collaborative colossus with inbuilt public recognition rewarding teachers’ efforts by a system of Quality Labels for project work, and certificates for involvement in professional development.
CPD has never been easier, as eTwinning offers online and face-to-face training, and professional development learning events, seminars, webinars and workshops throughout the year. There are also opportunities to attend workshops in another country.
Joining eTwinning means you can be a truly 21st century, outward looking, connected educator – actively seeking new opportunities, resources to grow as a professional, and funding for your international project through Erasmus+. By networking, joining forces with others, and connecting the dots, you become part of something special, with a unique camaraderie and creativity.
Success in all fields these days depends on close cooperation and eTwinning is a marvellous example of how collaboration really does make a world of difference.
The verdict
- A superb way to leverage online communities to enhance pupil learning and power CPD
- Helps you reflect on your practice and grow as a connected teacher
- Opens up classrooms and gives learning a new focus
- Improves digital citizenship and creativity, and connects thinking
Sign up if you are:
- Looking to become a more connected, lifelong educator, and support pupils in becoming empathetic and global teachers.
- Actively seeking new opportunities, resources to grow as a professional, and funding for your international project through Erasmus+.
Endorsement
“eTwinning has moved us from ‘special measures’ to a ‘good school’ – an award winning school; it has brought the curriculum to life – I always use the programme as a strategy to pull a school out of special measures; it really engages and motivates the kids as they have an audience”.
Kevin McCabe, Head teacher at Jervoise School, Birmingham.
Free resources and competition
Until December 7, 2017, UK teachers who register an eTwinning project can choose to be posted a travelling eTwinning teddy bear or a virtual reality headset to use as part of their project. In addition the eTwinning team at the British Council will send you pre-prepared projects to help you get started, an eTwinning wall map, homework and passport challenges for the class. Find out more at britishcouncil.org/eTwinning
An announcement on funding
For 2018, €30m will be available to schools to apply for Erasmus+ activities, including CPD for school staff. School exchange partnerships, funding pupil exchanges (for three or more days at a time) are being reintroduced. eTwinning is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and is managed by the British Council in the UK. Register via eTwinning.net
- John Dabell is an experienced primary teacher, Ofsted trained inspector, writer and freelance numeracy consultant. The article has been taken from an independent review carried out by John for September 2017 edition for Teach Secondary magazine.