Introducing Online Learning Communities to Tomorrow's Teachers Case Study of eTwinning Teachers Training Pilot Project 2014/15

Abstract

Educational trends in e-Learning are ever-changing and this has brought into discussion numerous solutions and platforms to encourage the use of ICT in schools. The eTwinning action was given start in 2005 as one of the principal actions of the European Commission's e-Learning Programme. It is now a part of 'Erasmus+ 2014-2020' and has gradually been expanding all over Europe providing both teachers and students with innovative and creative ideas, learning/teaching experience, multimedia applications and interactive tools. This research paper aims to introduce eTwinning Online Learning Platform as one of the biggest communities for schools in Europe and discuss University of Palermo's involvement in 'eTwinning Teachers Training Pilot Project' in academic year 2014/15. The research was given start with the purpose of preparing tomorrow's teachers for a future where the use of ICT is in everyday teaching and to promote communication and learning in the foreign language within a cross-cultural context. The very first results of the research will contribute to our understanding of how an online learning community can offer a significant pedagogical experience in support of teacher training.