HIGHER EDUCATION PERSPECTIVES ON ETWINNING: THE FUTURE OF INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING LEARNING

Teachers’ collaboration networks in fostering Innovation and Communication Technology (ICT) are essential to promote 21st century skills. Teacher education forms part of the core mission of many universities and eTwinning can help accelerate this educational change needed in initial teacher training (ITT) reforms. eTwinning is part of the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, devoted to lifelong learning to promote collaboration between schools in Europe and enhance students' learning. This study discusses the perceptions of undergraduate and graduate college students about the impact of introducing eTwinning as a prospective pedagogical tool in ITT. Data for this study were collected via an online questionnaire distributed to 25 students actively participating in the eTwinning Teacher Training Pilot for Higher Education Institutions in Spain. Analysis of the responses revealed a number of beneficial effects on teachers training that facilitates constructive and successful collaborative learning. eTwinning participants experienced a greater motivation, improved academic achievement and language skills, and development of lifelong skills, such as cooperation and independent learning skills. The results suggest that eTwinning is a promising pedagogical tool in teacher training. The study concludes with a discussion of the challenges in the implementation with suggestions made for future research.