E-Twinning

 

eTwinning aims to encourage European schools to collaborate using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It is part of the European Union Lifelong Learning Programme.  Inside the UK, it is managed by the British Council.

 

The main concept behind eTwinning is that schools are paired with another school elsewhere in the Europe.  The two schools then communicate using the Internet (for example, by e-mail or video conferencing to collaborate, share and learn from each other.  eTwinning encourages and develops ICT skills as the main activities inherently use information technology.  Being 'twinned' with a foreign school also encourages cross-cultural exchanges of knowledge, fosters students' intercultural awareness, and improves their communication skills.

 

eTwinning projects last for any length of time ranging from only a week, to months, up to creating permanent relationships between schools.  Schools (both primary and secondary) within the European Union member states can participate in an eTwinning project.  European Schoolnet has been granted the role of Central Support Service (CSS) at European level.

 

For more information on eTwinning, see the guidelines (PDF 7mb) in the council's e-library.  The Comenius education programme (PDF <1mb) for bringing together schools, colleges and local education authorities may also be of interest.