eTwinning was born in 2005 as one of the key initiatives of the European Commission’s eLearning Learning Program and was integrated into Erasmus+ in 2014. This program is designed to facilitate collaboration between teachers and schools across Europe, allowing Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary teachers to register, connect, and develop joint projects in a secure, virtual environment.
With more than 57,000 teachers, 14,100 schools and nearly 35,000 projects registered in Spain since its inception, eTwinning has become a vital tool for educational exchange and collaborative learning between students and teachers from different countries.
eTwinning is a unique platform that connects teachers from all over Europe to collaborate on educational projects and improve their teaching skills. Born as part of the Erasmus+ program, eTwinning offers a virtual space where teachers can organize and participate in both online and face-to-face activities together with their students and colleagues from other countries. Through this initiative, educators can inspire each other, share knowledge and foster international cooperation in education.
What is eTwinning?
eTwinning is an educational community made up of thousands of teachers and educators committed to inclusion and the meaningful use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the classroom. Teachers who register with eTwinning, known as “eTwinners”, have the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other countries who are also participating in Erasmus+, create collaborative projects and participate in a dynamic network for the exchange of ideas and educational practices.
One of the key tools of eTwinning is the TwinSpace environment, a secure virtual space where teachers and their students can work together on projects. These projects, which can address a wide range of topics and competencies, are designed and implemented in collaboration with other teachers of different nationalities, promoting truly international learning in line with the interests of each educational community.
The eTwinning community is an environment rich in resources and opportunities for collaborative learning. Through the European School Education Platform, eTwinners have access to a variety of project kits, examples of good practice and testimonials that can inspire new initiatives in their own schools. In addition, the platform allows teachers to communicate, share materials and learn together at their own pace.
eTwinners can also participate in eTwinning rooms and groups, which are virtual spaces designed for discussion and collaboration on specific topics of common interest. These spaces facilitate the exchange of ideas and networking among teachers across Europe, strengthening the community and promoting a collaborative approach to education.
Continuing Professional Development
One of the fundamental pillars of eTwinning is the professional development of teachers. The platform offers a wide range of training opportunities, from webinars to online courses and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). These programs are designed to help teachers improve their skills and stay up-to-date on best educational practices.
Webinars are live sessions that allow teachers to learn about and discuss a variety of relevant topics in education today. The **MOOCs** are longer courses that allow for an in-depth exploration of a specific topic, with the flexibility to participate in activities at times that suit teachers’ schedules. These courses, along with online conferences and events, offer educators the opportunity to connect with experts and colleagues, strengthening their ability to innovate in the classroom.
eTwinning is not only focused on collaboration and learning, but also on celebrating educational excellence. The most innovative and successful projects are highlighted in the **eTwinning annual book** and can be awarded the **European eTwinning Awards**. In addition, schools that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the eTwinning principles can receive the **eTwinning School Label**, a recognition that highlights their shared leadership, collaboration and pedagogical innovation.
Each year, eTwinning organizes key events, such as the spring and autumn online campaigns, where eTwinners can share ideas and plan new projects. Europe Day, celebrated on 9 May, is another highlight where the community comes together to celebrate cooperation and twinning between European schools.
The eTwinning ambassadors are the driving force behind this community. Selected at national level, these passionate teachers provide training, support and share their enthusiasm with others, helping eTwinning to grow and strengthen. In addition, any school can aspire to earn the eTwinning School label, becoming a model of the values promoted by eTwinning.
