Вие сте тук:

Interview with Kaspars Vingris

Are you interested in getting involved in an eTwinning project with a school in Latvia? To learn about how eTwinning is working in Latvia, we recently talked to Kaspars Vingris, the Coordinator for eTwinning in Latvia.

1. How does education in Latvia differ from other countries in Europe?

I think that the common guidelines for education in Latvia are similar to those in most other countries in Europe, especially those in East European countries, with I suppose some differences in approach as a result of a different cultural heritage. A focus on a bilingual system of education is a very specific feature in Latvia, as it was deemed important by the nation’s population. Extra-curricular education is not very developed at the moment (e.g., activities such as science hobby groups do not exist), which can sometimes make it difficult for pupils to specify their fields of interests. Nevertheless, Latvian students produce very good results in regards to their all-round education and in addition, there is a great interest in cultural activities as Latvian students are known to be great artists and performers.

2. How is ICT being implemented in Latvia?

The ‘Strategy for eEducation’ determines ICT’s role in education in Latvia. It encompasses the computerisation of Latvian schools as well as computer skills teaching and training. Also, the Latvian Education Informatisation System (LIIS) project covers this entire information grid: educational content, management, information services, infrastructure and user training at all levels (schools, school boards and the Ministry).

3. Now just over two years after its launch, how has eTwinning impacted your country?

eTwinning was not extremely present in Latvia up until now as there was little activity on the Ministry’s side in the 2005/2006 school year. This year, however, many of the original plans to implement eTwinning in Latvia are now going ahead. The main goals are to increase the Action’s awareness across the country and to create enthusiasm towards it. So far, Latvian pupils and teachers are very much interested in eTwinning and hope to start working on a collaborative project this year.

4. What kind of projects are Latvian schools most often interested in?

Latvian schools are very open to collaboration in general. For the time being, there are no specific fields prescribed.

5. Are there special eTwinning activities going on in Latvia?

As I mentioned, last year the Ministry of Education and Science didn’t exchange very much information with schools about eTwinning, so for now, the main activity is to disseminate this information and get schools involved.

6. Do you have any advice for teachers who wish to twin up with schools in Latvia?

The Ministry of Education and Science has committed to do its best in regards to incorporating eTwinning in education in Latvia, and so I encourage you to twin up with our schools. Teachers and students are ready to participate in activities and work with you on a new project.

Are you interested in getting involved in an eTwinning project with a school in Latvia?