The action eTwinning, which is part of the Erasmus+ programme, promotes cooperation and communication among schools in Europe through the use of Information and Communication Technologies ( ICT ) to reap educational, social and cultural benefits. It offers a free and safe platform for teachers to connect, develop collaborative projects and share ideas in Europe, participate in webinars and events and become a part of the European contemporary educational reality.
Within the framework of this action, I have participated in two projects in the last two years: the first was as a partner and the second one as a creator and an administrator.
My first step into this community was with the project “Journey through time”, aiming to guide students, through the imaginary journey of two characters, Etwin and Ning, to discover traces that man has left on Europe in the ancient past and attempt a simple form of interpretation and historical reconstruction. The project won a national and a European Quality Label for students and teachers. Some of the work done can be seen here. The greatest sucess of the project was to make me aware about the usefulness of technology and the opportunity it can offer to students to communicate, collaborate with students from all over Europe (and other countries not belonging to the E.U) and feel active members of the european community.
The second project was an attempt to design and implement an e-Portfolio for young learners of the english language. It was called “My Language Treasure Chest” with the educational scenario describing the search for the ‘ hidden treasure ‘ in the Language Chest. Pirate “Port o ‘Folio” with the help of young students started a journey and adventures throughout many countries in Europe, becoming familiar with myths, traditions and customs of each country, in order to compose their own distinct cultural identity. The project “highlighted the mediating role of Portfolio in connection with the student ‘s multilingual and multicultural reality and ease of use as a tool of self-assessment and feedback in the learning process” (Kanga, 2010). An educational wiki (http://LTC20.wikispaces.com/home ) was also created to support the successful interaction among partners and the harmonious communication and cooperation of all stakeholders.
