ECom4s2p

eCom4s2p Contract Title e-communIC@Tion 4 schools 2 parents Contract Number 2010-1-BE3-LEO04-02274 2 Funding Period 2010-2012 Funding Agency European Union (Leonardo LLP project) Total Cost €156,000 Partners Université d'Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse (U.A.P.V.) Avignon France; Zespół Szkół Nr 1, Technikum Nr 1 im. Prof. Bolesława Krupińskiego w Lubinie (Vocational or technical secondary school )Lubin Poland; Tekkeköy Halk Eğitim Merkezi (Adult education provider) Samsun Turkey; Kavakmeydan vocational trade high school Tabzon Turkey; INDICO International institute for the development of innovation, knowledge and competences, Zaragoza Spain; Zespół Szkół Elektronicznych i Telekomunikacyjnych(Vocational or technical secondary school), Olsztyn Poland; BilSE-Institut für Bildung und Forschung GmbH Güstrow, Germany; Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute, Nicosia Cyprus Website http://ecom4s2p.mixxt.com

The E-com4S2P Project was a Leonardo Da Vinci LLP Mobility funded by the European Union and coordinated by Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg dept SAW(Limburg Catholic University College), Hasselt Belgium. The central idea was that communication between schools and families is essential for building trusting relationships that foster parental involvement. Parental involvement in schools and social institutes is necessary for youngsters to develop successfully and to make decisions that will have positive outcomes for their futures.

This study examined the role of new ICT communications technologies in fostering parental involvement in schools and social institutes and uncovers barriers that prevent usage of technology to promote communication. Little research has been done to evaluate the role of emerging technologies in enhancing communication practices between schools specialised in vocational training and parents/guardians.

The following individuals from the New Media Lab and others have participated and/or benefited from the project:

• Iliada Spyrou
• Andreas Drakos
• Mihalina Drakou
• Tatjana Taraszow
• Yiannis Laouris
• Elia Petridou

Overall objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role and possibilities of different interpersonal communications technologies like cell phone and e-mail, school websites, blog, electronic learning environments and new social websites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. in communicating with parents. Additionally, these communication modes will be appraised for their efficacy in facilitating parental involvement in schools.