SPIDERWEB Project with GCU

The SPIDERWEB Project (Support Programme in Development Represented on the Web) is a three year Leonardo da Vinci project designed to improve retention and achievement in schools and universities.

Specific objectives and activities of the project are to:

• assist in identifying students at risk of 'dropping out'
• develop a screening device to improve retention and achievement
• develop support and prevention programmes for such students
• provide training packages and handbooks for staff
• develop an accessible website with information and research on this area

Partners in the project include the following:

• Iceland: Reykjavik University, Gardabaer College, Workers Education Association (MFA) and the University of Iceland.
• Ireland: FAS, Dublin
• Finland: University of Helsinki
• Slovakia: Obchodna Akademia, Dolny Kubin
• Greece: IDEC, Athens
• Scotland: Open Campus Learning, Glasgow Caledonian University

Open Campus Learning's role is to contribute to the research, assist in developing the 'screening device', design evaluation instruments for the various work packages in the project and assist in developing training materials for staff.

Partners also had an opportunity to hear about future plans and visit some of the GCU Campus facilities and were very impressed with what they heard and saw