Empowering engineering & technology and practice teachersZemljak, Dejan (Avtor) Čampelj, Borut (Avtor) Martinc, Urška (Avtor) Kerneža, Maja (Avtor) virtual exchangeseducationteacher professional developmentintercultural collaborationpractice-based pedagogyPurpose: The purpose of the research was to explore how virtual exchanges can empower teachers of engineering and technology and practical subjects. The aim was to determine whether and how these teachers see virtual exchanges as an opportunity for personal and professional development, improvement of teaching, and exchange of good practices. Findings: The research was conducted at the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year with interviews conducted via online video calls. The sample included 16 teachers and 2 students (future teachers of engineering and technology). Before the interviews, participants received an introductory presentation of the concept of virtual exchanges and then answered four pre-prepared questions that focused on the perception and meaning of these exchanges for teachers. Originality/value: The paper is important because it focuses on a less researched area -the use of virtual exchanges in the context of technical education that includes practical work. The research fills a gap in the literature and offers valuable insights for the development of international collaboration among teachers of technical subjects and for the design of supporting platforms, tools and policies that would enable and promote this collaboration.20252025-10-21 09:06:31Znanstveno delo95775UDK: 37:004COBISS_ID: 253982467DOI: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.426-434ISSN pri članku: 2232-5697sl