ETwinning

The eTwinning program is an initiative of the European Commission, the networked schools from Europe across the Internet. Registered teachers can build with the eTwinning program partnerships with schools abroad and develop joint educational projects. The cooperation takes place mainly via the eTwinning portal ( www.etwinning.de ) that is provided by the European Commission in all 23 official languages ​​of the European Union. The platform allows participants to find project partners to communicate and collaborate.

Formation

The program was initiated as part of the e-Learning Programme of the European Union in 2005. Since 2007, it is integrated in the Lifelong Learning Programme of the EU. eTwinning is part of the EU Comenius program for schools.

History

The eTwinning program was launched in January 2005. Its main objectives are consistent with the decision of the European Council in Barcelona in March 2002. This stipulated the twinning to foster between schools in order to promote awareness of students for the multicultural European model of society. Already in the first year, more than 13,000 schools involved in eTwinning. In the fall of 2008, more than 50,000 teachers and 4,000 projects on the eTwinning platform were registered. In early 2009 the motto of the eTwinning program was changed to " community for schools in Europe." Previously it was " School partnerships in Europe ". In June 2009, more than 65,000 teachers were registered on the eTwinning platform. By 2012, this number rose to 170,000. More than 20,000 projects between more than 90,000 schools were built.

Expiration

The basic concept of eTwinning is that schools with another school in another European country to enter into a partnership and jointly develop a project. The two schools communicate using the Internet. The goal is to collaborate across countries and to learn from each other. The web- based collaboration, participants learn how to use information and communication technology, and collaboration with schools in other European countries strengthens intercultural competence, strengthens intercultural awareness and improve communication skills.

The duration of eTwinning projects is not fixed and varies from a few weeks and months to permanent partnerships between schools. Both primary and secondary schools from all EU Member States may participate in eTwinning, as well as schools come from Turkey, Norway and Iceland.

In contrast to other EU programs such as Comenius schools receive no funding because all communication takes place via the Internet and personal contacts are not necessary. Nevertheless, it is possible to organize face to face meetings of participants for the schools.