Innovative teaching in eTwinning projects

Abstract

This article examines innovative teaching strategies developed through three eTwinning projects—Learning Environments, Be My Digital Pal, and Time to Speak Up—which focus on enhancing students' creativity, collaboration, and digital competencies. The projects integrate both physical and virtual learning spaces, fostering engagement through a mix of traditional activities and Web 2.0 tools such as Padlet, Flipgrid, Canva, and CapCut. The methodology involved collaborative project-based learning, interactive digital tools, and cross-cultural exchanges among students from multiple European countries.

The findings reveal that students improved essential skills, including writing, speaking, and critical thinking, while also developing digital literacy and cultural awareness. The Learning Environments project encouraged participants to explore various learning styles—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing—through creative and practical activities such as music-based learning and outdoor tasks. Be My Digital Pal enhanced students’ English language proficiency by encouraging pen-pal communication and content creation using digital platforms, while also raising awareness of online safety and digital citizenship. Time to Speak Up addressed communication barriers, helping students gain confidence in expressing themselves in English while fostering intercultural understanding through webinars and mentorship sessions.

The results indicate that these projects not only improved academic and linguistic outcomes but also strengthened interpersonal and intrapersonal skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and self-discipline. The article highlights the value of eTwinning projects as a platform for blending formal education with experiential, creative, and technology-driven approaches, preparing students for real-world challenges and lifelong learning.