Combined evaluation of Erasmus+ and predecessor programmes : final report : evaluation of eTwinning Plus (Volume 4)

It was agreed with the Commission to include a specific standalone work package on eTwinning Plus as part of the Mid-term evaluation of Erasmus + and ex-post evaluation of predecessor programmes. eTwinning is a community of teachers and other school staff from pre-primary to upper secondary schools who engage in a variety of activities including the development of joint projects, professional networking, discussions and the participation in professional development opportunities. Cooperation is supported by an internet-based platform that provides a safe online environment for collaborative work. As part of the EU Neighbouring policy, in 2013 eTwinning was extended on a pilot basis to six neighbouring countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Tunisia and Ukraine. This extension of eTwinning is called eTwinning Plus. Initially, neighbouring countries' participation was limited to a certain number of schools per country but this cap has now been lifted and the initiative is being progressively extended. The purpose of the evaluation is to detect the strengths and weaknesses of eTwinning Plus, and to provide relevant input to inform its future development and extension. This involves an assessment of the initiative's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and EU added value.