etwinning
1. 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 Te
acher 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
2. 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):
- 2024-2025: In the Footsteps of Knowledge: Exploring the World Through eTwinning (revised edition) (Project founded by Anna Pavlaki, DSE student, with partner schools from Greece Spain and Estonia)
- 2024-2025: Wrap me… (Project with kindergartens from Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Romania)
- 2025–2026: Green Roots, Blue Drops #skillsforlife (Partner countries: Greece, Croatia, Spain)
- 2025–2026: A Character for Each City: Exploring Artistic and Cultural Contexts through Multilingual and Multimodal Learning (Partner countries: Greece, Italy, Spain)
- 2025–2026: Preschool Storytellers (Partner countries: Greece, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia)
3 Awards
3.1 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 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), highlighting the academic and professional benefits of engaging university students in these fields.
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 to be integrated into the initial teacher education curriculum, enhancing students’ digital and STEM 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.
3.2. Award of the National Quality Label for Higher Education Institutions 2025 (National eTwinning ITE Label 2025)
The National eTwinning ITE Label 2025 recognises the sustained commitment of the Department of Special Education to the systematic integration of eTwinning into the preparation and professional development of future teachers. The distinction acknowledges the work successfully implemented in collaboration with our students in the areas of “Integration of eTwinning into the Curriculum” and “Implementation of an eTwinning Project.”
3.3. 1st Prize in the Special Category:University Department in the field of Education participating in eTwinning in Initial Teacher Education (eTwinning ITE), awarded at the 20th National eTwinning Awards (https://www.etwinning.gr/awards/nawards/1665-20-etwinning-2)
Within the framework of the official award ceremony (available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsYl19Vo0bw&t=12594s&pp=ygUOZXR3aW5uaW5nIDIwMjU%3D), the Department formally received the First Prize distinction. In addition, commemorative gifts for the participating students, as well as electronic equipment (tablets), were granted to the Department in recognition of its contribution to eTwinning in Initial Teacher Education.
Video presentation of the awarded initiatives:
https://youtu.be/pbMT8o_NMfE
4. Publications
Invited contribution to the European publication “eTwinning for Future Teachers: Ideas for Integrating eTwinning in Initial Teacher Education” (p. 52).
This contribution aimed to present the pedagogical approaches adopted, as well as the activities designed and implemented, in our effort to integrate eTwinning, educational innovation, and European collaboration into the practicum course for pre-service preschool teachers within the Department.
Through this publication, we shared evidence-informed practices intended to inspire fellow teacher educators and to contribute to the development of an innovative European guide expected to have a meaningful impact on both in-service and prospective teachers across 46 countries.
5. Other Activities
(Participation in conferences, professional development activities, partner-finding events, and dissemination of best practices)
5.1 Participation in and Organisation of a Workshop
Active participation in and organisation of a workshop at the European eTwinning ITE Conference 2025, entitled: “Advancing Basic Skills and Innovation through eTwinning for Future Teachers,” held in Milan, Italy, from 27 to 29 November 2025
