Visibility of eTwinning Projects Group Newsletter 6 2016 | Page 26

Visibility of eTwinning Projects Group July 2016 Newsletter -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Curating is similar to collecting, but there is a difference though. For example, I collect fridge magnets of places I have visited and my collection can be seen – where else but on the fridge in my kitchen. The value of my fridge magnet collection is personal, and the focus is on the quantity, rather than the quality of magnets. Check out my webinar recording A Step By Step Guide To Digital Content Curation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iYI6SeXfWA&f eature=youtu.be to find out more about content curation. On the other hand, my digitally curated collections of educational resources and materials are open and easily accessible. I share my curated collections with my Personal Learning Network (PLN). Therefore I select resources of high quality, evaluate them, add personal insight and engage in conversations with my colleagues. Everybody can become a content curator. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to content curation: 1. Choose a topic you are passionate about, e.g. web 2.0 tools for digital storytelling, online quiz creators, developing critical thinking skills etc. Of course, you can choose as many topics as you want and create collections of resources for each of your interests, needs, topics, eTwinning projects or groups of students. 2. Browse a wide variety of online sources to find information. Filter relevant, highquality content and focus on quality, not quantity. Avoid “filter bubbles” created by search engine algorithms that restrict the information you are directed to when searching the internet. 3. Never forget to credit sources. Add a comment to your content, e.g. who it is for, why you find it valuable and useful. 4. Share your curated collection with eTwinners and interact with other content curators. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ eTwinning and Primary School Students by Cornelia Melcu I have been a primary school teacher for more than 30 years and I discovered eTwinning nine years ago. As I was looking for new teaching methods in order to motivate my students and help them to find classes and subjects more atractive, I started stright away to work in projects. My students were young – 6 years old – and I was wondering how they would manage with the activities, tasks and targets. We found an interesting topic related to heroes and idols and begun the adventure. I was really surprised how enthusiastic and creative my little students were! They found ideas, information and participated in online meetings. They worked in groups and shared their work with their classmates and partners. They visited the TwinSpace and left comments to the other participants and presented the project to the parents and community members. That was a great start in a long journey together with eTwinning. 26