eTwinning Conference 2008

This morning I attended a great session on using different free tools for eTwinning presented by John Warwick, Thomas Maier and Christian Komonen.

John pictured above showed us how easy it is to video-conference using Flashmeeting, a webcam and a computer. He explained how teachers can use the tool to network with each other as well as help their pupils share ideas with their partner school. He then went on to describe other features such as being able to record conversations including text chats and having a presentation mode which lets users share images with each other during meetings.

Christian then went on to tell us about the tool Magazine Factory which lets you create an e-magazine either as an individual school or as a collaboration between schools. He also showed us how to embed YouTube videos and Google Maps into the magazine which was cool.

Finally, Thomas talked about blogging and podcasting from definitions to practical examples, prompting us to think of the possibilities of using such tools for personalised and distance learning. Each talk was delivered with enthusiasm and was very "teacher friendly".

I particularly liked John's slide with the message: "Technology is just a tool, nothing more or less"

In other words, as teachers we need to concentrate on how to use tools like these to facilitate good learning not just be interested in using technology for the sake of it. I for one, was certainly persuaded by the effectiveness of using these tools for eTwinning and I can see how they could be very useful in maintaining good links with other schools around Europe and further a field. Thanks to John, Christian and Thomas for their inspiration.