etwinning

eTwinning in Higher Education (eTwinning ITE) & in the Department of Special Education (SED)

Since 2021, the Department of Special Education (DSE) of the University of Thessaly has actively participated in the implementation of international eTwinning projects through ICT tools, via the European School Education Platform – ESEP, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Mrs. Sofia Goria, Laboratory Teaching Staff (E.DI.P.) at the DSE, and the National Support Organization (NSO) of eTwinning for Initial Teacher Education (eTwinning ITE). As part of this collaboration, the following courses in the DSE curriculum include eTwinning-related modules:

Preschool Teacher Training Practicum I (5th semester)
Preschool Teacher Training Practicum II (6th semester)

These modules include:

Introduction to eTwinning
Familiarization of students with eTwinning & eTwinning in Higher Education (eTwinning ITE)
Student information and registration on the European School Education Platform – ESEP

In addition, international projects have been designed, approved by the NSO, and implemented between DSE faculty and academics from other European universities, as well as between students. Small-scale eTwinning projects are also conducted with local schools where students carry out their School Placement.

eTwinning in Initial Teacher Education offers participants a European, international, and intercultural experience. It significantly contributes to the internationalization of the institution and the department, while strengthening transnational collaboration. For students, eTwinning promotes international cooperation and community-based practices, supporting professionalism and enhancing their readiness to teach. For university faculty, it offers an innovative teaching approach, revitalizing instructional methods in higher education.

ℹ️ Learn more about What is the ITE eTwinning Action (Initial Teacher Education): https://www.etwinning.gr/ite

📽️ Watch the video about the eTwinning ITE action: https://youtu.be/PIUl7zjs6IE

Projects

Projects designed and implemented by the Department of Special Education (DSE) – University of Thessaly, founded by Mrs. Sofia Goria, Laboratory Teaching Staff (E.DI.P.):

2023–2024: Enhance self-regulation skills in early years (Greece–Italy cooperation)
2024–2025: Enhance self-regulation skills in early years. Design teaching material and activities (Greece–Portugal–Spain cooperation)

Projects co-founded and implemented by the DSE – University of Thessaly, with Mrs. Sofia Goria, Special Teaching Staff (E.DI.P.):

2021: Working together on Disinformation and Media Literacy (Greece – Italy)
2024–2025: REAPSES METHOD LEGENDS AND CHARACTERS / METODO REAPSES LEYENDAS Y PROTAGONISTAS (Spain–Italy–Greece cooperation)

International projects with Students Placement during their practicum (Preschool Education):

In the Footsteps of Knowledge: Exploring the World Through eTwinning (revised edition) (Project founded by Anna Pavlaki, DSE student, with partner schools: 14th Kindergarten of Volos, schools in Spain and Estonia)
Wrap me… (Project with kindergartens from Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Romania)

University of Thessaly – Department of Special Education joins the eTwinning STEM 5.0 Initiative

The Department of Special Education (DSE) of the University of Thessaly has been selected to participate in the national eTwinning STEM 5.0 initiative, as officially announced by the National Support Organization on January 24, 2025.

The eTwinning STEM 5.0 action focuses on developing innovative, problem-solving projects in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), aiming to highlight the academic and professional benefits of engaging university students in these areas.

Among 12 applications submitted by Higher Education Institutions across Greece, the Department of Special Education was ranked among the top five with the highest evaluation scores. As part of its participation, the department will receive 10 educational robotics kits, which will be integrated into the initial teacher education curriculum, enhancing students’ digital and STEM-related skills.

This achievement builds on the Department’s ongoing involvement in the eTwinning community since the 2021–2022 academic year, demonstrating its continued commitment to innovative educational practices and the integration of contemporary digital tools and pedagogical approaches.

Through this distinction, the University of Thessaly reaffirms its dedication to educational excellence and innovation, and to connecting academic learning with current developments in STEM education.