Interview with Nada Kadlecova

	After having lived many years behind the Iron curtain, Nada Kadlecova, a grammar teacher from the Czech Republic, considers it rewarding to participate in European projects and learn about each other. Aware that her pupils are more motivated when using computers, she likes using ICT in her classroom.

Why should schools participate in eTwinning?

Pupils like computers and very often they are better than us, teachers, at using them. They are also better motivated when they can use their favourite tools.  The same grammar is being taught, but using new methods. It makes the topic new and more interesting for them and I hope more memorable.

The eTwinning action gave me the opportunity to find friends for my pupils and colleagues. We have already registered two partnerships with schools in Greece and Poland. It is very nice that young people learn about their neighbours and make friends all over Europe. The distance is reduced with the help of the Internet. By exchanging messages with a Polish partner school, my pupils have learned about Christmas in Poland and they compared both nations’ traditions. They were very surprised because they did not expect so many differences.

How will eTwinning change schools in Europe?

In the Czech Republic, big changes in teaching are currently underway. In January 2005, a new law on schools was introduced. Every school will now have to prepare its own curriculum. I think it is the right time to make room for projects that include the use of ICT.

What are the expected results for schools, teachers and pupils?

With eTwinning, schools will become more open to flexible learning processes and teachers will be able to compare their methods with colleagues from other countries. I am already doing it with my Polish partner.

As teachers will start working in teams, the subjects will be more connected to each other so that learning will become cross-curricular. Everybody will be more responsible and the results of our work will be made public. Pupils will see how to concretely use what they learn.

What can be done to help schools participate in eTwinning?

In my country, all teachers have been trained to use computers. It means that all teachers should be able to use the Internet but some of them cannot.

The other problem is a linguistic barrier. I think that it would be very useful if Czech teachers could have the possibility to study English in afternoon courses. Schools need money to be able to offer these language classes.

I have offered to help my colleagues from the region of Ceska Lipa and I am going to meet those who are interested in European projects in a seminar on 7 April in our town. I realise that many teachers have still not been informed about those initiatives and I will try to improve the situation in our region. I don’t know what other teachers think, but for me it is so rewarding to be in touch with other people from Europe after so many years of living behind the Iron curtain.

	Web Editor:	Myriam Cornillet

	Published :	14/02/2005

	Last changed :	09/02/2007

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