Since 2012 eTwinning has been running a European initiative involving Teacher Training Institutions (TTI) from several European countries to include eTwinning in their initial teacher training as a complementary strategy to mainstreaming eTwinning by engaging with trainee teachers.

The initiative has a growing number of examples demonstrating that introducing eTwinning into the training of student teachers brings significant value to them and their institutions. From the practical application of 21st century skills to the engagement in international, collaborative projects, the TTI initiative is a perfect example of how eTwinning can help the development of the new generation of teachers.

The contribution of eTwinning in initial teacher training provides:

• • discovery and implementation of project teaching and multidisciplinary work.
  • development of ICT and language skills.
  • European, international, intercultural experience
  • development of professional skills (project management, setting goals, planning, teamwork)
  • reflection on professional practice: exchanges with teachers from other education systems.

Learning Events:

What is it? Learning Events are short intensive online events on a number of themes. The themes are related to pedagogical aspects in particular. They are led by an expert, and include active work and discussion among teachers. Learning Events include asynchronous and sometimes synchronous activities, and are run in a widely-spoken European language. You can receive certification for participating in this event.

Online Seminars

Online Seminars are live communication sessions where you have a chance to learn, talk and discuss with your peers. The topics covered by Online Seminars are related to pedagogy and eTwinning aspects in general. They are led by an expert, and are run in a widely-spoken European language.CSS organizes these seminars. Up to a maximum of 200 participants can join them. The Online Seminars last from 1-2 hours.

Online Courses

The eTwinning Online Courses are long courses aimed at addressing the needs of the eTwinning community in the area of online moderation, teaching and learning, and ambassadors at national and European level. Each year, eTwinning promotes one course. Online Courses are led by a group of experts, and include active work and discussion among teachers. It includes asynchronous and sometimes synchronous activities, and are run in English. You can get a certificate from the participation in this event.

Professional Development Workshops

Professional Development Workshops (PDWs) are three-day, face-to-face training events, covering a pedagogical topic. These events are run in a widely-spoken European language. You can get a certificate from participating in this event. CSS and NSS can organize them.

Thematic conferences

The Thematic conferences are 3-day, face-to-face awareness event. The themes are related to pedagogical aspects in general. The main goal is to inform and create awareness about eTwinning. These events are run in a widely-spoken European language. You can get a certificate from participating in this event.The target audience are all teachers, including non-eTwinners such as regional authorities. Participants are invited to attend and may be selected according to the theme. Thematic conferences have an average of 200 participants. 

Annual conference

The annual conferences are three-day face to face celebration event, with a focus on a Europe-wide theme. The main goal is to celebrate the eTwinning’s achievements for the year. You can get a certificate from participating in this event. The target audience are all teachers, including non-eTwinners such as regional authorities. Participants are invited to attend and may be selected according to theme, up to approximately 600 participants.