eTwinning is the main action of the European Commission’s eLearning Programme. Its Central Support Service is operated by European Schoolnet. Now into its third year, eTwinning is a stable living organism, growing thanks to the work of teachers and students across Europe. In addition to proving its stability, eTwinning has also affirmed its ever-important role in shaping a European space for education. Free of fees and administrative tasks, eTwinning offers schools from all corners of Europe the opportunity to work together on projects that directly benefit their students’ learning development and knowledge of Europe.

In its first year, eTwinning was introduced across the Continent to encourage teachers to get involved in online collaborative projects that gave them both the freedom and flexibility of choosing the subject, activities and timeline with partners of their choosing.  The open concept was immediately embraced and projects were launched across Europe.

Last year, eTwinning launched its first ever European Prizes to reward the exceptional work of schools in the Action’s first year. The top projects won teachers and students a four-day camp on ICT in Lanzerote, Spain.  Also, as an indication of the quality of the Action, the eTwinning Quality Label was launched in April 2006 to award schools that reached a certain national and European standard through their project work. Launched just six months ago, the European Quality Label has already been awarded to over 70 schools.

While the eTwinning Action has been the main action of the European Commission’s eLearning Programme since it began in 2004, it will continue in the Framework of the Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013.

eTwinning Portal at www.etwinning.net