Digital Explorers and Promoters of Cultural Heritage – a collaborative exploration of European heritage through technology, education, and creativity

The eTwinning project Digital Explorers and Promoters of Cultural Heritage, carried out between September 2024 and April 2025, has united students and teachers from France, Greece, Romania, and Turkey in a cross-border educational journey. Its aim was to promote European cultural heritage and foster key competence development through digital collaboration and pedagogical innovation. The project unfolded in six major steps, each designed to integrate real-world learning, creativity, and sustainability in an engaging and meaningful way.

1. Personalized learning and participant connections (September 2024)

The project began with initial evaluation questionnaires and Canva-based digital introductions. These opening activities allowed the project participants to get to know one another, identify shared interests, and build a friendly learning community. By using digital tools for self-expression, the students developed public speaking, communication, and presentation skills—foundational elements in modern education.

2. Hands-on Câcultural exploration through field trips (October - November 2024)

Coordinated by their teachers, the students embarked on school trips to visit popular or favourite UNESCO World Heritage Sites, creating videos and presentations. This experiential learning approach helped them to connect emotionally with cultural values and heritage, while also enhancing their storytelling, critical thinking, and digital media skills.

3. Digital collaboration for heritage promotion (December 2024 - January 2025)

Through online workshops using Padlet, Canva, PowerPoint, and Genially, the students worked together to showcase examples of global cultural heritage from their respective countries. These tasks promoted teamwork and intercultural communication, encouraging students to creatively represent their national heritage while gaining insight into others. This phase strengthened digital skills, media literacy, and collaborative spirit.

4. Intercultural dialogue on sustainable tourism (10 February 2025)

One of the project’s highlights was the online event where students shared their experiences and preferences regarding heritage sites in France, Greece, Romania, and Turkey. They also discussed the importance of sustainable tourism. The event provided a powerful intercultural experience, enhancing English language proficiency, argumentation skills, and awareness of cultural preservation in the face of tourism.

5. Project evaluation according to eTwinning standards (March 2025)

Final questionnaires and structured feedback were used to assess the impact of the project. The teachers observed a clear improvement in student engagement, digital and language skills, and cultural awareness. The reflective nature of this evaluation phase allowed teams to identify successful strategies and areas for future growth.

6. Dissemination and sharing of good practices (April 2025)

The final stage involved dissemination through virtual magazine articles, blog posts, collaborative videos, and a Wakelet collection. These outputs highlighted the most effective activities and good practices in curriculum integration, pedagogical innovation, and ICT use. As a result, the success of the project extended beyond the participating schools, inspiring other educators across the eTwinning network.

As far as the educational benefits of the project are concerned, here are the main positive aspects:

- Key competence development - the students practised communication in English, critical thinking, creativity, and digital skills through meaningful, real-world tasks.

- Intercultural awareness - the collaboration with international peers enhanced appreciation for cultural diversity and fostered a deeper connection with European heritage.

- Sustainability education - the activities centered on responsible tourism helped the participants to reflect on global issues and embrace values like environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.

- Increased motivation and engagement - the creative use of modern tools and student-centered methodologies made learning dynamic, enjoyable, and highly engaging.

- Professional Growth for Teachers - the educators involved in this eTwinning partnership shared resources, tools, methodologies, and insights, forming a transnational community of practice focused on continuous learning and innovation.

To conclude with, the eTwinning project Digital Explorers and Promoters of Cultural Heritage stands as a compelling model of how cultural heritage and technology can be blended to enrich learning. Through collaborative, student-driven, and digitally enhanced activities, it succeeded in nurturing European values, developing 21st-century skills, and empowering a new generation of culturally conscious and digitally literate citizens.

Bookfest 2025 – a model of transdisciplinary education and international collaboration for key competence development and European values

In today’s rapidly evolving world, educational projects that combine pedagogical innovation, international collaboration, and character development are essential for preparing students to become responsible and active global citizens. The bilateral eTwinning project Bookfest 2025, launched in September 2024 and implemented during the 2024–2025 school year by Liceul Teoretic “Radu Vlădescu” (Romania) and Liceul Teoretic “Mihai Eminescu” (The Republic of Moldova), is an example of this holistic approach.

First of all, the project was meant to provide an innovative educational setting where students could strengthen essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and digital competence. All the activities were designed from a transdisciplinary perspective, integrating elements from literature, history, civic education, and digital technology. Learning thus became relevant, contextualized, and deeply connected to real-world issues.

In January 2025, the project participants delivered book presentations in front of their peers and teachers. According to their own conclusions and the teachers' observation, this public speaking activity helped our students to become more confident, articulate, and effective communicators. They learned to clearly express their ideas, engage their audience, and provide compelling summaries, three skills which are essential for future academic and professional success.

In February 2025, the two partner schools co-hosted a digital creativity workshop where students designed motivational posters with messages promoting peace, historical awareness, and collaboration. This hands-on experience encouraged artistic expression, critical thinking, and teamwork. Through storytelling and digital design, the Moldovan and Romanian students conveyed powerful messages while developing visual communication and media literacy.

One of the project’s most impactful activities was the creation of a digital book dedicated to Romanian heroines of wartime history. By conducting historical research, working collaboratively, and authoring digital content, the project participants deepened their historical understanding while refining their writing and digital literacy skills. This activity reinforced both academic knowledge and essential 21st-century skills. An innovative feature of the project was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in a responsible and pedagogically meaningful way. The students used AI tools for content enhancement, translation, historical research, and idea generation. This helped them to develop digital discernment while encouraging ethical reflection on the role of AI in learning.

The ongoing interaction between the students from Romania and the Republic of Moldova strengthened their intercultural awareness and social competencies. Through online collaboration, our students learned how to work in international teams, respect diverse viewpoints, and appreciate cultural richness. These experiences cultivated solidarity, tolerance, and the European values of peace and cooperation.

The eTwinning project Bookfest 2025 acted as a catalyst for transforming the participating schools into modern, inclusive learning communities. Through collaborative leadership, exchange of best practices, and a shared commitment to value-based education, the project contributed to shaping both schools as inspiring models of innovation and inclusion in education.

Bookfest 2025 stands as a compelling example of best practices in European education. Through transdisciplinary, collaborative, and digital activities, students became more aware of their role in society, more empathetic, and better prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. The project offered authentic learning opportunities while supporting the core eTwinning mission: building a creative, inclusive, and value-driven European educational space.

All Together for a Global Celebration – A Collaborative Approach to Value-Based Education and Skills Development

The eTwinning project All Together for a Global Celebration, implemented between November 2024 and April 2025, brought together the 17th Primary School of Kozani (Greece), Liceul Teoretic “Radu Vlădescu” (Romania) and the Primary School of Vathilakkos Area (Greece) in a cross-border educational initiative focused on promoting key human values through interactive and creative activities. Almost one hundred primary and lower secondary pupils, coordinated by six teachers, explored the significance of important international days, while developing empathy, responsibility, friendship, respect for diversity, and solidarity.

The project included storytelling, role-play, crafts, posters, digital presentations, and short videos through which the project participants conveyed the positive messages of days such as the International Day of Acceptance (January 20), Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17), or the International Day of the Forests (March 21). Each theme served as both a learning opportunity and a reflective moment on global issues that concern the environment, equality, justice, and peace.

The highlight of the eTwinning project All Together for a Global Celebration was the publication of a digital collaborative book where students and teachers from both countries contributed by sharing illustrated pages, short texts, personal reflections, messages, and creative works inspired by each international celebration. This book became not only a collection of their contributions, but also a living testimony of their joint effort and shared values.

https://read.bookcreator.com/SnR6zyJEgoRF8LiObw381Ecf2Ca2/rGJN_mRrRtOjy7hXtao22Q

The benefits of this final product are manifold, but here are the main positive results we have observed:

• active engagement – the pupils were highly motivated to take part and felt a sense of ownership over the project’s outcomes;

• authentic international collaboration – the book showcases real teamwork between students from different cultural backgrounds, fostering intercultural communication and mutual respect;

• digital and creative skill development – by working on a modern digital platform, the pupils enhanced their ICT skills and creativity;

• recognition and validation – the book was shared within school communities, offering the project participants the joy of seeing their work appreciated and valued;

• reusable educational resource – the digital book remains accessible online and can serve as a teaching tool or an inspiration for similar future projects.

The project All Together for a Global Celebration, implemented during the 2024-2025 school year, clearly illustrates the potential of international collaboration in delivering value-based, student-centered education. Through their contributions, the Greek and Romanian pupils not only learned about global issues, but also practised empathy, cooperation and teamwork, becoming more aware and engaged future citizens. Moreover, our collaborative book stands as a final product that not only encapsulates learning, but also builds bridges between cultures and showcases the power of creative, value-driven education.

Promoting our eTwinning School label 2025-2026 and our four eTwinning projects during the Erasmus+ mobility in Germany (April 2025)

In April 2025, nine Romanian students from Liceul Teoretic "Radu Vlădescu" proudly represented our school during an international mobility activity organized under the Erasmus+ project 2024-1-RO01-KA121-SCH-000206543, funded by the European Union. Hosted by "Ringeisen-Gymnasium der St. Josefskongregation" in Ursberg, Germany, the students promoted four innovative eTwinning projects coordinated by Liceul Teoretic "Radu Vlădescu", an eTwinning School 2025-2026 and an Accredited Erasmus organisation: "Bookfest 2025", "Digital Explorers and Promoters of Cultural Heritage", "All Together for a Global Celebration", and "Sari Gelin Tours Europe".

The activity emphasized the importance of international collaboration in education, as students engaged in meaningful discussions with their German peers and teachers, promoting intercultural learning and exchange of experience. The Romanian participants illustrated how technology enhanced collaboration, creativity, pedagogical innovation, and engagement in the learning process by using digital platforms to connect with students from other countries and demonstrated the benefits of student-centered approaches and creative integration of ICT tools.

Moreover, they explained how eTwinning projects supported the development of key competences such as communication in foreign languages, digital literacy, cultural awareness and expression, and social and civic responsibility. Through their presentation and interactive activities, the Romanian students shared good educational practices and inspired new perspectives on collaborative learning.

This experience not only strengthened European cooperation in education, but also empowered our students as active promoters of shared values and creativity, reinforcing the long-term impact of Erasmus+ and eTwinning projects in shaping inclusive, modern, and dynamic school communities. It also contributed to the achievement of the Erasmus+ mobility objectives: the modernization and internationalization of the teaching-learning- assessment process through key-competence development and exchange of good practices, to the detriment of outdated approaches and the digitalization of the teaching-evaluation process by participating in Erasmus+ training activities for teaching staff for the benefit of the entire school community.

The eTwinning projects coordinated by Liceul Teoretic ''Radu Vlădescu'' during the 2024-2025 school year

In conclusion, the participation of the Romanian students in the international mobility in Ursberg proved to be a valuable educational experience that highlighted the transformative power of cross-border collaboration. By promoting their eTwinning projects, the students contributed to a broader European dialogue on quality education, digital advancement, and cultural appreciation. This event reaffirmed the essential role of Erasmus+ in fostering personal growth, intercultural exchange, and the continuous development of 21st-century skills among young learners across Europe.

The Interschool Competition on Literary Topics within the educational project “Scriitori pentru eternitate/Writers for Eternity” 04/04/2025

On 4 April 2025, on the occasion of the Interschool Competition on Literary Topics, here, in the partners schools on the Buzău Valley area, we celebrated literary excellence.

As part of the educational project “Scriitori pentru eternitate / Writers for Eternity”, implemented at county level, the Interschool Competition on Literary Topics stood out as a meaningful and inspiring initiative that encouraged our best students to engage deeply with some of the most valuable samples of world literature. More than a standard contest, this event nurtured critical thinking, creativity, and a profound appreciation for literary heritage.

One of the greatest strengths of this year's competition lied in the way it promoted academic discipline. By requiring the participants to strictly follow rules - respecting time limits, adhering to formatting guidelines, and complying with specific instructions - it taught responsibility and precision. We are confident that these skills not only improve academic performance, but also prepare students for real-world expectations in both higher education and professional life.

The competition also enhanced language and communication skills. With a focus on grammatical accuracy, appropriate vocabulary usage, and factual correctness, our students refined their ability to express ideas clearly and effectively. This foundation in English language most definitely helped them to become more confident writers and communicators, capable of articulating their thoughts with clarity and purpose.

Equally important was the emphasis on literary knowledge and digital learning. The participants explored the key literary works and authors promoted during the project, gaining insight into their themes, characters, and historical backgrounds with the help of technology. This deep engagement fostered a greater understanding of literary concepts and encouraged a more thoughtful and informed approach to reading and analysis.

What set this competition apart was its celebration of creativity and originality. The students were invited to think outside the box, beyond standard interpretations, offering their own perspectives and innovative responses. Whether through unique connections between texts or fresh insights into familiar ideas, this creative space empowered them to explore literature in a personal and imaginative way.

Critical thinking played a central role in the judging process. The participants were not only expected to provide answers, but also to justify their reasoning. It is well-known that this practice develops analytical skills and a deeper engagement with the material, encouraging the students to interpret texts thoughtfully and to support their views with evidence and logic.

Ultimately, the first edition of the Interschool Competition on Literary Topics was a celebration of learning. It challenged the participants to grow as thinkers, writers, and readers, while honouring the rich literary traditions at the heart of the “Writers for Eternity” project. In doing so, it helped shape a new generation of young minds who are not only academically prepared, but also inspired by the enduring power of literature.

Here are the winners of the literary competition in English:

Nr. Crt.	Numele și prenumele	Unitatea de învățământ	Premiul
1.	Andronescu Mihai Alexandru	Liceul Teoretic ‘Radu Vlădescu’	I
2.	Anghel Maria Roxana	Liceul Teoretic ‘Radu Vlădescu’	II
3.	Bîrsan Irina Maria	Liceul Teoretic ‘Radu Vlădescu’	I
4.	Budișan Iosiv Andrei	Liceul Tehnologic Oraș Pătârlagele	III
5.	Dragomir Radu Valentin	Liceul Teoretic ‘Radu Vlădescu’	II
6.	Drezaliu Cristian Ionuț	Liceul Teoretic ‘Radu Vlădescu’	II
7.	Duță Ciprian	Liceul Tehnologic Oraș Pătârlagele	I
8.	Geagîrdea Daria Ștefania	Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu	III
9.	Mihalcea Leonard Cristian	Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu	I
10.	Mîrzea Ioana Mihaela	Liceul Tehnologic Oraș Pătârlagele	II
11.	Negoiță Liviu Andrei	Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu	I
12.	Posea David	Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu	II
13.	Posea Natalia Maria	Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu	II
14.	Sava Beatrice Flavia	Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu	I
15.	Stancu Beatrice Laura Maria	Liceul Teoretic ‘Radu Vlădescu’	I
16.	Urjan Ana-Maria	Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu	II
17.	Vîjiac Denis Andrei	Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu	I

Here are the teachers of English who coordinated and judged the literary competition in English:

• Mrs. Tănăsescu Cristina Florentina - Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu;
• Mrs. Moală Maria Liliana - Liceul Tehnologic Oraș Pătârlagele;
• Mrs. Frînculeasă Claudia Emilia - Liceul Teoretic ‘Radu Vlădescu’ Pătârlagele;
• Mrs. Pană Maria - Liceul Teoretic ‘Nicolae Iorga’ Nehoiu;
• Mrs. Vasile Elena Luminița - Școala Gimnazială Comuna Pănătău;

On behalf of the organizing committee, I have the immense joy of warmly congratulating this year's winners of the literary competition on their enthusiasm, outstanding achievements and inspiring contributions. Their creativity, insight, and dedication to literature truly shone through in their work, and we are proud to celebrate their success. 

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the coordinating teachers and competition judges, whose guidance, encouragement, and support played a vital role in preparing and assessing the participants as their commitment to nurturing a love for literature has made a lasting impact on both the  students and the entire educational community.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The eTwinning project ''Digital Explorers and Promoters of Cultural Heritage'' - the results of the final evaluation forms for teachers

The eTwinning project ''Digital Explorers and Promoters of Cultural Heritage'' - the results of the final evaluation forms for students

Crimson Letters to Our War Heroines - the collaborative digital book for the project "Bookfest 2025"

The activities of the eTwinning project "Bookfest 2025" fostered learning, personal growth, and key-competence development through transborder collaboration, pedagogical innovation and creative use of technology. 

The students' initiative to create a digital book dedicated to Romanian war heroines enhanced historical awareness, helping the project participants to understand the impact of courageous women in wartime. By researching and co-authoring, they developed critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy while refining their writing and communication skills.

The online collaboration with peers from the Republic of Moldova improved intercultural competence, teamwork, and adaptability, which are essential 21st-century skills. This project activity also strengthened the English language proficiency of the project team members as the students drafted, revised, and discussed content in the project target language.

AI played a crucial role in content enhancement, offering historical insights, suggestions, and translation support. It also streamlined research, helping the students to analyze sources efficiently while encouraging ethical AI use in education.

By co-creating this book, the Romanian and Moldovan students, coordinated by their teachers of English, gained a deeper appreciation of history, refined essential skills, and embraced digital tools, becoming both involved and more motivated in their own preparation for future academic and professional success.