SMART TOOLS IN SCHOOLS

The main achievements of the project can be divided into two groups. The first one relates to enabling the students of our schools to learn about new cultures, history and traditions of the countries and nations represented by partner schools. As part of the project, there were 4 mobilities with 18 pupils from partner schools and many pupils from the host school each time. During these meetings, students watched presentations about schools, cities and partner countries, took part in meetings with local authorities, participated in sightseeing trips, and integration events. New friendships were made and continued even after the end of mobility. Each time, the students assessed very highly in the questionnaires summarizing the opportunity to learn about new cultures and willingly shared information with students of their schools after returning to the country. All this resulted in a significant increase in students' willingness to learn, especially foreign languages. Students pointed to the purposefulness of language learning because they saw specific effects, i.e. the possibility of communicating with students from many countries, no barriers. In the questionnaires, they pointed out that this was the first opportunity for them to use a foreign language in an authentic way. For many students, 88% had a clear intrinsic motivation to learn, which they also shared with classmates and schoolmates. They also willingly collaborated in the preparation of presentations and lessons for the next mobility.The second, much more tangible effect was the huge increase in the digital competences of our students. During the mobility, they learned about new applications and tools, presented them at meetings later in schools. But what was more satisfying, they wanted to get to know the next ones to diversify their work, and often also make it easier. Our students assessed in the survey that their digital competences have significantly increased. They can easily use Learning apps 68%, Kahoot 74%, Quizzezz 43%, Quizlet 46%, Powtoon 5%, padlet 68%, story jumper 25%, teams 72%, wordwall 68%, others like genially, canvas, zoom, inshot - 36%. According to them the lessons are easier, more appealing and interesting, the students are able to learn faster, you can learn more easily, digital tools help them to prepare and learn new skills. According to teachers and students, one more important effect of the project is the development of the ability to accept and tolerate others. Both other cultures and customs, but also disabilities and some imperfections. During the mobility interviews, the students pointed out that the journeys allowed them to understand that the world is one, common, but that it differs as different countries and people differ. All mobilities and pre- and post-mobility activities were based on developing students' willingness and skills to direct their learning. By learning about various digital tools, students became more and more motivated to use them in the learning process. The variety of tools presented and their attractiveness to students was the main key to their success. First, they performed and then prepared tasks and materials used during classes and at home. The tasks concerned first of all subjects included in the project, i.e. literature, mathematics, religion, cultural information, but also at the stage of post-mobility to others, such as foreign languages, biology, history, physics, chemistry. They shared the materials with their colleagues, and created new ones in groups or pairs. This greatly contributed to the students' motivation to work, mutual acceptance and integration. Through the need to create independently, they learned to cooperate, developed communication skills, mutual understanding, critical thinking and creativity. Depending on the country, an average of 54% of students indicated an increase in skills in these topics. Mutual understanding, learning about the culture and traditions of partners was indicated by 78 - 90% of the surveyed students. Students participating in the mobility described their emotions about the fact that they felt European, that they understood that we are all the same but everyone has the right to be different, cultural and traditional. All mobility participants confirmed the increase in communication skills, which was visible both during the meetings and also afterwards. Some students stay in touch via social media.