Thursday, 13 November 2025

EcoDigital Explorers for Sustainability – Learning to Create a Greener Digital Future and a More Connected Learning Community

The eTwinning project “EcoDigital Explorers for Sustainability” brings together students and teachers from eight European countries - Turkey, Romania, Greece, Italy, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Albania, and North Macedonia - united by a shared mission: to combine creativity, technology, and environmental awareness in a collaborative educational experience.

Designed for students aged between 8 and 18, the eTwinning project integrates multiple disciplines such as Art, ICT, Environmental Education, Geography, and Foreign Languages, encouraging an interdisciplinary and hands-on approach to learning. Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, the participants are exploring a wide range of topics, from online safety and national symbols to coding, digital art, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By engaging in these varied activities, the European pupils and students will develop essential digital, artistic, scientific, and civic competences, while learning to act responsibly toward nature and their communities.

Using interactive digital tools such as Canva, Scratch, Genially, Digipad etc., and educational mobile apps, the participants have created logos, presentations, posters, stop-motion videos, educational board games, and collaborative digital mosaics. They will also take part in quizzes, contests, and eco-challenges that foster logical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. Through nature exploration activities supported by mobile applications, the project participants will become young scientists and environmental observers, learning to appreciate biodiversity and sustainable living.

Among the outcomes of the international project are: a public TwinSpace with all the documented activities, digital posters and logos, collaborative presentations and videos, mathematical challenges inspired by sustainability etc. all of them remarkable achievements showing the students’ growth in digital literacy, ecological awareness, and motivation to learn through innovation.

However, beyond these tangible results, the Christmas card exchange is one of the most valuable initiative placing strong emphasis on genuine collaboration, with students from different countries promoting friendship and cultural exchange with handmade greeting cards reflecting local traditions. Made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, carrying the beauty of their minds and souls, these greeting cards will develop empathy, respect for diversity, and a European sense of belonging. 





“EcoDigital Explorers for Sustainability” demonstrates how technology and creativity can empower the younger generations to become the responsible citizens and active changemakers of a sustainable, inclusive and more connected future.

Monday, 10 November 2025

Our Song Selection Activity within the eTwinning Project "A Song for Our Souls in an English-Speaking World" 10/11/2025

As part of our ongoing eTwinning project, the Romanian students enrolled in the 11th grade (the humanities class) took part in a creative and engaging activity whose main aim was selecting their favourite song meant to inspire future classwork and the creation of Open Educational Resources (OERs). This collaborative process not only encouraged musical appreciation, but also strengthened the students’ critical thinking and decision-making skills within an international context.

Working in groups, the students first designed a list of five finalist songs chosen for their emotional impact and educational potential:“Die with a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “Heaven” by Inna, “Treat You Better” by Shawn Mendes and“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars.

Then they listened to each song, discussed the lyrics, and reflected on their messages of friendship, resilience, kindness etc. conveyed through the music. They then expressed their votes using the whiteboard, allowing everyone to participate democratically and transparently, which is a hallmark of the eTwinning collaborative spirit.

After an exciting round of voting, the winning song was “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth. This heartfelt track, with its themes of remembrance and connection, resonated deeply with most of the students. Eventually, it was unanimously seen as a symbol of the friendships that ought to be built in one's life, including through the activities of an eTwinning project.

From an eTwinning perspective, the activity helped our students develop empathy, intercultural awareness, and 21st century skills. Most importantly, it reminded everyone that learning - like music - is best when shared in harmony.













Sunday, 9 November 2025

The Collaborative Padlet of the eTwinning project "Bookfest 2026"

In October 2025, within the framework of the eTwinning project Bookfest 2026, 80 pupils and teachers from two European countries and partner schools - Liceul Teoretic "Radu Vlădescu", Pătârlagele (Romania) and Liceul Teoretic "Mihai Eminescu", Florești (The Republic of Moldova) - joined forces to celebrate their passion for reading, curiosity, creativity, and intercultural dialogue. 

One of the most anticipated activities of the transnational project, the collaborative Padlet, promoting both English and Romanian, became a dynamic digital space where the participants could introduce themselves, share their hopes and expectations, and optionally post an inspirational literary quote. This simple, yet powerful tool proved to be a cornerstone of the project’s success, offering multiple educational benefits.

First and foremost, the Padlet provided a safe, inclusive, and friendly environment for communication. Pupils of different ages and language levels felt encouraged to express themselves freely, knowing their contributions were valued and respected. By using both English and Romanian, the participants not only practised and improved their chosen language skills, but also developed a deeper appreciation for linguistic diversity and mutual understanding - which are key goals of the eTwinning philosophy.

Secondly, the activity fostered a strong sense of community and collaboration. Seeing profiles, photos, and quotes from peers across the border helped the pupils realize that they are part of a larger learning network united by a shared love of books. This sense of belonging nurtured motivation and enthusiasm, setting a positive tone for all subsequent project activities.

Moreover, by sharing literary inspirational quotes, the elder students engaged in reflective thinking and cultural exchange. They discovered authors and ideas from other literary traditions, broadening their horizons and sparking curiosity about European literature. The teachers observed that this initial digital interaction encouraged students to read more actively, discuss meaningfully, and connect literature to their personal experiences.

Finally, the Padlet served as a valuable digital literacy exercise. The students learned to use a collaborative online tool responsibly, respecting netiquette and practising digital citizenship in an authentic context.

In conclusion, the collaborative Padlet created for the eTwinning project Bookfest 2026 was not only an introduction, but also a celebration of diversity, creativity, and connection. It demonstrated how digital platforms can build bridges between learners, promote intercultural understanding, and inspire a lifelong love of reading.








Saturday, 8 November 2025

The eTwinning project "Bookfest 2026" - the results of the initial questionnaire for teachers

In October 2025, the five teachers implementing the eTwinning project Bookfest 2026 participated in the initial questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. Of these participants, two are from Romania and three are from the Republic of Moldova. All five teachers reported having previously participated in at least one eTwinning project, demonstrating prior experience with international collaboration and digital teaching practices.

The aim of this questionnaire was to identify the teachers’ expectations, priorities, and areas of focus at the beginning of the project, in order to plan meaningful learning experiences for students and ensure alignment with eTwinning quality standards.

Project goals and teachers' expectations
When asked which project goals they were most eager to see achieved by their students, all five teachers emphasized three major directions.
Firstly, they highlighted the importance of identifying, sharing, and integrating knowledge, skills, and innovative teaching, learning, and assessment techniques across disciplines, thereby encouraging a transdisciplinary approach to education.
Secondly, they expressed the desire to improve the key-competences of their students, focusing particularly on digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
Thirdly, they embraces the goal of promoting the values of eTwinning Schools, such as shared leadership, collaboration, communication, and teamwork.
In addition, four of the five teachers (80%) stated that they were particularly interested in promoting their pupils as agents of change, helping both participating schools evolve into inclusive and innovative learning organizations. This emphasis on empowerment and inclusion aligns closely with eTwinning’s vision of participatory, learner-centered education.

Focus on online safety
All participating teachers affirmed that, throughout the project, they would raise awareness among students about the importance of online safety. They agreed that fostering responsible digital citizenship is a key aspect of international collaboration and an essential foundation for effective online communication and teamwork.


Key-competences for lifelong learning
When asked which key competences for lifelong learning they hoped their students would develop or improve during the project, the teachers identified several areas of focus.
All five mentioned the development of digital competence, as well as social and learning-to-learn competences and cultural awareness and expression.
Furthermore, four teachers (80%) expressed particular interest in enhancing literacy competence in Romanian and multilingual competence in English, emphasizing the project’s bilingual and intercultural dimension.
These priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to competence-based education, in which language, culture, and technology are integrated to promote communication, creativity, and critical engagement.


21st-century skills development
The teachers were also asked which 21st-century skills they would like their students to develop most during the project Bookfest 2026 .
Four teachers (80%) chose learning skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, as their main focus.
One teacher (20%) emphasized life skills, such as flexibility, leadership, initiative, productivity, and social skills.
This distribution indicates a clear preference for active, student-centered learning approaches that foster innovation and teamwork, while still recognizing the importance of leadership and adaptability.



Commitment to quality and innovation
All five teachers expressed a strong interest in creating original open educational resources (OERs) within the framework of the project, ensuring that the outcomes of Bookfest 2026 contribute to a broader educational community beyond their own institutions. 


Moreover, all the participants in the initial survey confirmed their commitment to meeting the eTwinning Quality Standards and their intention to apply for the National Quality Label at the end of the project.

Their shared motivation to achieve excellence, foster innovation, and uphold eTwinning principles highlights the professionalism and pedagogical maturity of the teaching team behind the partnership Bookfest 2026.

The results of the initial questionnaire of the project Bookfest 2026 reflect a cohesive, experienced, and visionary team of educators. The teachers share a unified understanding of the project’s objectives and demonstrate a clear commitment to fostering transdisciplinary learning, developing students’ key competences, and encouraging responsible, creative, and collaborative participation. Their priorities - digital literacy, communication, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness - mirror both the European framework for key-competences for lifelong learning and the core values of eTwinning Schools.

Through their combined expertise and enthusiasm, the five teachers implementing Bookfest 2026 are well-positioned to guide their students toward meaningful learning experiences that promote innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable collaboration within the eTwinning community.

The eTwinning project "A Song for Our Souls in an English-Speaking World" - the results of the initial questionnaire for teachers

In October 2025, eight teachers implementing the eTwinning project "A Song for Our Souls in an English-Speaking World" filled in the initial questionnaire on Google Forms. 
Most respondents (50%) are from Romania, followed by Turkey (37.5%), and Poland (12.5%). This shows that the project brings together educators from three different European countries, facilitating an international learning environment and intercultural collaboration.

Regarding the prior involvement in eTwinning projects, according to the results of the initial survey for teachers, 100% of the participants indicated that they have previously participated in an eTwinning project. 
This finding suggests that all respondents are already familiar with the eTwinning standards, which could contribute positively to future project planning and collaboration, as participants possess prior experience and understanding of the program’s objectives and procedures.

As far as the project goals are concerned, here are the results:

  • 100% believe the project will help improve digital, personal, and learning skills and nurture 21st-century skills
  • 87.5% expect to develop multilingual competence and foster emotional intelligence
  • 75% anticipate that the project will promote intercultural dialogue and use music video clips and storytelling as educational tools
  • 62.5% aim to encourage and promote artistic creativity.

These results highlight strong alignment with key educational and developmental goals, particularly in digital competence, communication, and collaboration.

Awareness of eTwinning Rules
All respondents (100%) confirmed that they plan to raise awareness of GDPR, copyright, eSafety, and eTwinning netiquette rules at the start of the project.

This unanimous agreement shows a clear commitment to maintaining safe, ethical, and responsible online collaboration within the project.

Key Competences for Lifelong Learning
All respondents (100%) indicated that multilingual competence (in English) and digital competence are priorities for development. Additionally, personal, social, and learning-to-learn competence and cultural awareness and expression competence were each selected by 87.5% of respondents. Citizenship competence was also a significant focus, chosen by 75% of participants.
This shows a strong emphasis on communication, digital literacy, and intercultural understanding as essential lifelong learning goals.

21st Century Skills
All respondents (100%) expect the project to enhance learning skills - including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication - and life skills such as flexibility, leadership, initiative, and social skills. Meanwhile, literacy skills (information, media, and technology) were selected by 87.5% of respondents.
This indicates a comprehensive approach that balances academic, technological, and interpersonal skill development.The results suggest that the project is designed to foster both practical and interpersonal competences. The unanimous focus on multilingual, digital, learning, and life skills reflects the educators’ commitment to preparing students for future academic, social, and professional challenges in a global and digital world.

According to the eight responses collected, clear preferences were expressed regarding the collaborative outcomes they are most interested in contributing to within the eTwinning project.

The most popular collaborative result is the Padlet created by all the project participants, chosen by 87.5% of respondents. This indicates a strong interest in interactive and shared digital spaces for project documentation and exchange.

Following that, 75% of respondents expressed interest in contributing to both the collaborative digital book and the learning and teaching activities based on English songs, demonstrating enthusiasm for creative and educational outputs.

Meanwhile, 62.5% of the participants showed interest in the collection of Open Educational Resources (OER) produced within the project, highlighting the value placed on sharing educational materials for broader use.

Finally, 37.5% of respondents selected the promotion of Romanian, Turkish and Polish songs, suggesting that, while cultural promotion is appreciated, it is a lower priority compared to digital and pedagogical collaborations.

The results reveal a strong collective preference for digital collaboration tools and educational materials that enhance engagement, creativity, and shared learning. The emphasis on Padlet and digital books reflects participants’ commitment to creating accessible, interactive, and sustainable project outcomes.

Most of the teachers are interested in applying for the National Quality Label, the official recognition awarded to teachers and projects that demonstrate excellence in international collaboration, innovative pedagogy, and effective use of digital tools, validating the quality of both teaching and student learning, enhancing the professional reputation of educators and motivating students through acknowledgment of their work. Moreover, the label also opens the way to the European Quality Label, eligibility for national and European awards, and increased visibility within the eTwinning community, serving as a mark of distinction that highlights a project’s high educational value and impact.

Creating Our Stop Motion Collaborative Story: “The Journey of the Lost Battery” for the eTwinning project EcoDigital Explorers for Sustainability

As part of our eTwinning project EcoDigital Explorers for Sustainability, the students enrolled at Liceul Teoretic "Radu Vlădescu" created a short Stop Motion video telling the story of a lost battery that finds its way home - to the recycling box. The project activity held on 7 November 2025 combined creativity, environmental awareness, and digital skills in a fun and meaningful way.

The process began with a brainstorming session followed by the capturing of frame-by-frame images and using of the Stop Motion App to bring the story to life.

Through this activity, the project participants developed important 21st-century skills - teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and digital literacy - while deepening their understanding of environmental responsibility. They realized how small actions, like recycling used batteries, can have a significant impact on protecting our planet.

The final video showcases the students' creativity and serves as a powerful message about sustainability, reminding everyone that every item, even a tiny battery, has a rightful place in the recycling cycle.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG25RhxL7E/9H3VwNVKdN6n1vr1vUJQjQ/edit?utm_content=DAG25RhxL7E&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Friday, 7 November 2025

The first online meeting of the eTwinning project "Ecodigital Explorers for Sustainability" - 07/11/2025

On 7 November 2025, the first online meeting of our "Ecodigital Explorers for Sustainability" partnership was held on the European School Education Platform and marked a promising start to an inspiring journey in combining digital innovation with environmental awareness. Representatives from each partner school gathered virtually, ready to introduce themselves, share their motivations, and begin mapping out the key phases of our international collaboration. Everyone brought enthusiasm, ideas and a genuine desire to integrate sustainable practices with digital literacy in meaningful ways.

The meeting, hosted by the project founder Mrs. Daniela Grecu, featured an extensive presentation of the "Ecodigital Explorers for Sustainability" project activities, work calendar and responsibilities. During the session, Mrs. Grecu, an eTwinning Ambassador in Romania, provided clear guidelines and practical advice, particularly aiming at supporting the less experienced teachers in navigating the digital platforms and collaborative tasks of the project. She outlined the timeline for each activity, highlighted key milestones, and emphasized strategies for engaging students effectively while fostering both ecological awareness and digital skills. Her presentation not only clarified expectations, but also created a supportive framework that encouraged all the participants to contribute confidently and collaboratively to the project’s success.

As we closed the meeting, we reflected on how the digital dimension of our partnership can support deeper pedagogical goals - student‑centred learning, intercultural exchange, critical thinking about sustainability, and the development of both digital and ecological competences. The participants committed to ensuring meaningful student engagement and management of new digital tools. 

All in all, an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual respect was established giving us the confidence that the partnership "Ecodigital Explorers for Sustainability" was off to a great start, and, personally, I am looking forward to the next steps in our sustainable digital adventure.