Documents 1.c: eTwinning in Comenius
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eTwinning in the Comenius programme
Though eTwinning started as a part of the eLearning programme, currently it is integrated in the Comenius programme as an accompany measure [COM10]. In this sense, it shares its main goals with the rest of the programme.
It is advisable to learn about the organisations in charge of each of the actions, as well as the differences between eTwinning and other Comenius actions. Decentralised actions (including associations) are coordinated from the corresponding national agencies. In the case of Spain, the institution in charge of the Autonomous Organisation of European Educational Programmes is the OAPEE (www.oapee.es). However, eTwinning is a decentralised action coordinated at a European level by the Central Support Service (www.etwinning.net), and nationally by the (corresponding) National Support Service/s, which, in the case of Spain, is integrated within the Educational Technology Institute (INTEFP, www.ite.educacion.es). The Spanish SNA website is www.etwinning.es
There are more differences between eTwinning and other Comenius actions. It is exactly these differences that allow for a varied series of interactions to complement and enrich the projects, especially regarding the relationships between eTwinning and Comenius associations. Let's see the main points.
| | Comenius associations | eTwinning |
| Organisation in charge | OAPEE (www.oapee.es)
| SNA (www.etwinning.es)
|
| Focus | European dimension
Cultural awareness Mobility and cooperation between schools
| European dimension
Cultural awareness, Digital competence, Collaborative work through ICTs
|
| Support | Financing for approved projects
Information and support on behalf of the OAPEE
| Information, counselling, teacher training, offered by the SCA and the SNAs
Visibility (Awards, Labels, galleries…)
|
| Partners | Two members for bilateral associations; at least 3 for multilateral associations
| Two founding partners, from different nationalities, and a limited number of annexed partners
|
| Assessment | Previous assessment to subject the project to the approval process | No previous assessment. The approval of these projects depends essentially on the check and validation of these data and on the fact that the objectives and contents fit into the teaching practice.
Projects are only assessed if the teacher decides to opt for a Quality Label or a National or European Award. Assessment on behalf of the educational authorities of the Counties when requesting credits for training or innovation. Another kind of innovation…to take part in forums, talks, meetings, etc…
|
| Paperwork | Pedagogical memorandum, financial memorandum | No paperwork. The entire process is carried out through short and brief online forms.
|
| Acknowledgement | Training credits, as stated in the Spanish National Gazette | Depending on each County
|
As we mentioned before, these differences do not turn eTwinning into competition for Comenius association, but they allow for varied synergies between both actions. Let's see some of them.
1. None
Even though it may seem unrelated, we must talk about this possibility. Both Comenius and eTwinning associations are entities in themselves, which allow for the development of complete quality projects. They do not need each other, although there are considerable advantages in using them as a complement.
2. eTwinning as an introduction to European projects
Sometimes, getting started in European projects can be difficult. Doubts may arise regarding the ability to communicate with partners, the way projects are dealt with, objectives, how to organise them… If we also add the initial bureaucratic effort, some teachers may decide not to take part in these projects even if they are interested.
eTwinning offers an easy way to do it. There is no initial paperwork, almost all projects are approved, constant counselling is received from the SNA - whenever the teacher asks for it - and no documents are required throughout the process. If a specific project does not work, the founders can close it whenever they think it is convenient.
This allows us to eliminate - or at least reduce - the number of initial obstacles. The teacher can thus become familiar with the dynamics of European projects within a practical and flexible programme. In addition, the eTwinning experience allows us to learn more and work with partners and topics that can be used to then start other Comenius actions.
3. eTwinning as a complement of a Comenius association
The communication tools offered by eTwinning can play an important role in any of the development stages of a Comenius association. Before starting the association as such, eTwinning can become the space where teachers and students discuss and decide on the relevant aspects of a project: content, objectives, results, planning, tools for communication, ways to assess/reflect, promotion…
Throughout the project, it is the perfect way to carry out different activities, especially if they include an ICT component to store and share the work documents or to make the most of the SNA's counselling and suggestions.
Lastly, once the association has been completed, eTwinning can carry on as a way to extend the project and as a means of communication amongst members, thus ensuring its sustainability.
4. eTwinning as an alternative
There is always a chance that, even after all the effort made in searching for partners and designing the project for a Comenius association, it may not be approved. This situation can initially become frustrating. However, it does not necessarily have to be this way. A rejected Comenius association can be used for eTwinning. The project can start working, developing and perfecting. Contact with partners is not lost, the ideas are put into practice - in a different context -, experience and results are accumulated and, especially, it allows us to request financing later on.
5. eTwinning search engine for Comenius partners
One of the most powerful tools in the eTwinning platform is the Partner Search. It is available on the Teacher's Desktop and it allows you to search for and study the profiles of possible partners.
In order to enable partner search for other Comenius projects, you can state on your profile the availability to take part in a Comenius association and look for other available teachers.
Learn more:
If you wish to see good examples of integration between eTwinning and a Comenius association, visit this projects:
1.- How´s life over there? Y tú ¿Cómo vives?
The collaborative work developed among the students in the two schools participating in the “Survival kits” activity is worthy of mention as it is the methodology encouraged by eTwinning actions
Etapa educativa: Educación SecundariaMateria: Inglés
Enlaces:
TwinSpace público
2.- Art on the move (National eTwinning Prize 2012)
The project is a good example on the use of artistic expression as means to get to know other European cultures. Both students and teachers have extensively used the chat, skype videoconference and wiki to coordinate and organize the work. The variety of activities has enabled students from the different educative centres to work individually or in collaborative groups with their European partners while using English as the vehicle for communication.
Etapa educativa: Primary Education
Materia: Crosscurricular
Enlaces:
3.- ICT4U (National eTwinning Prize 2012)
Students become ICT teachers thus shaping a creative and innovative project. They have also developed a wide range of interesting ICT tutorials and guidelines with a remarkable didactic approach.
Etapa educativa: Secondary Education
Materia: Crosscurricular, ICT
Enlaces:
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