Olga OGLINDA: eTwinning motivates me to discover new things in my job.

Olga OGLINDA
History and Civics teacher, “Emil Nicula” High School, Mereni, Anenii Noi

Don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that for me, discovering the eTwinning platform was something WOW! Yes, this was my reaction to the first two contact seminars when I learned what eTwinning is all about. It is incredible how many activities could be done with tools that we, the teachers, did not even know how easily they could be used.

I have 15 years of experience in teaching History and Civics, and 1 year since I am an eTwinner. It might seem insignificant, but I was able to learn so many things during this time. You know, before I thought that it was hard to develop a project and it takes a lot of extra effort. But when eTwinners teachers showed us an example of a successful project, I was surprised to see small children doing simple beautiful and so useful things for their age. It was extraordinary. And then I told myself it’s possible!

I was selected to participate in an eTwinning contact seminar in Poland. Eh, it was a true adventure. I lost my luggage, but I did not panic, I got along by myself, and I did not waste time looking for it since I had come there to learn. And even if my colleagues insisted, I did not go to the airport to look for the clothes. I meant losing a seminar day. So I spent four days without luggage. I talked in English even better than I expected. I took it on the way back. The experience in Poland was unforgettable. Professors from Tunisia, Armenia, Hungary, etc. participated. I got along fine with a Hungarian teacher and now we are working on a joint project and we think about how to develop it so that it can be launched on the platform in a way that is exciting and attractive for the other eTwinning schools.

I came back from Poland and I was anxious to tell my colleagues all the lessons learned at the seminar. I learned new tools. I even conducted a few information meetings with the teachers. Yes, the classroom needs a technology, a high-speed Internet and all I can tell you can be achieved.

The impact of projects is very high. And not only teachers feel this, but also students and parents. For example, I do not feel any difference between high school teachers in Chisinau or other famous high schools, and our high school, from Mereni. Why? Because we use the same tools. Recently, I went to a teacher course and talked about family-friendly relationships. I made a presentation with tools taken over from the eTwinning platform. Eventually, many asked me how I did this. I told them to access eTwinning platform, and try it because it is awesome. Some people looked at me and asked ‘What is this?’ And every time I have the opportunity, I tell everyone how many opportunities this platform offers to teachers from all over the world. It’s been one year and I feel really good about that. I like to share my experience with others. We have become eTwinners without being forced by someone and we do it for free. And yes, there are many challenges. Learning English was a challenge as well, but a beautiful one. eTwinning motivates me to want to discover new things in my job. In conclusion, eTwinning means opportunities, development, involvement, challenge.