Top European winners awarded in Budapest

For the first time in eTwinning history, the annual Conference and Camp is taking place together this year in Budapest, Hungary, from 31 March to 2 April. A record number of participants and countries have participated with over 500 teachers and 100 pupils from 31 countries.

On the first day, conference participants have been welcomed by a number of representatives at European and national level, including a video greeting from Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth who addressed the pupils to say, “the theme of this year's conference is pupil empowerment - and it is the first time that you are able to attend the eTwinning Conference. This reminds us that, even though eTwinning is developing as a very effective network for the professional development of teachers, it was actually created for you! I believe you are very lucky to have such wonderful teachers who do not hesitate to take on additional work and new projects in order to make learning more interesting for you.”

The keynote speaker for the conference, Tim Rylands, is a gifted and inspirational teacher well known in the UK for his innovative use of ICT. His speech on “Raising levels of creativity in all pupils” was very engaging for teachers as he discussed how to use digital environments to inspire and engage learners rather than immersing them in digital complexities.

Another highlight of the first day has been the prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the eTwinning Prizes 2011 competition. From over 300 project submissions, the winners of the three age categories and five special categories have been awarded in a special prize-giving ceremony. On the second day, participants are breaking up in smaller groups in workshops that range from how to use certain kinds of tools and software, to career counseling and ICT, empowering pupils and projects ideas.

Many other activities have taken place to make the Conference and Camp a great opportunity for a fruitful exchange between pupils and teachers. A full report of the conference will follow shortly!

For the moment, if you want to stay updated and find articles, photos, links to the videos and commentary from participants have a look at the conference website.

PRESS: The European Commission has released a special press release on the weekend’s events. Please feel free to share it with your local, regional and national press.

Web Editor: Ananieva Anna Published: 25.03.2011 Last changed: 12.10.2011