Learning with eTwinning - European Commission - Europa

enhancing competences in many fields. Most of us were not very familiar withusing ICT, and our starting point was a real challenge. However, pupils quicklydetected not only the possibilities, but also the fun in this kind of work andwere eager to present themselves and to learn more about their partners andthe country they came from.3456Straight after the first email exchange, there was an increase in motivation.Pupils and teachers enjoyed a new method of foreign language learning andeveryone’s abilities improved: not only in using ICT but also in developing andstrengthening personal, social and intercultural competences.It was striking how the process of learning changed: pupils took on more andmore responsibility for their own work and success. There was a high degree ofidentification with their work and they became ambitious to achieve the bestpossible result: working individually, as partner teams or in a small group. Theywere very proud of the eJournal and this led to an increase in self-esteem. Weall are better trained in the use of ICT and have gained courage and confidence.We all enjoyed the follow-up work as well; starting a blog, producing photoCDs, making a video and last but not least, meeting each other. Beginnerclasses are now following in our footsteps and a second project between bothour schools has just begun.In my opinion, as a teacher of foreign languages, the use of ICT is a veryrewarding way of learning and communicating. Pupils today must be preparedfor the world of tomorrow, and “the future is closer than you think”.[3] Mypupils’ dreams are a laptop for each, get rid of books and to work with aninteractive whiteboard, which we have just started to test. Using ICT at schoolis not just desirable and recommended, it is necessary. The use of ICT, which iscommon knowledge in the “outside world” needs to be equally understood inschools.If possibilities are known and means provided, teachers can contribute to aneducation which strengthens pupils’ personalities. eTwinning offers both. Theonly advice I can give to my fellow teachers is: Don’t be afraid, be open.Change your ideas on your role as a teacher. And finally, don’t worry! Trust andrely on your and your pupils’ abilities, start simply and you will be happilysurprised!3 Quotation from C.Dale Young,http://avoidmuse.blogspot.com/2006/02/future-is-closer-than-you-think.html69