The thematic area covered is to get information and share experiences concerning the flexible open classroom methodology in Europe. A network of nine partners (to be extended during the second year) will create their own national networks and participate in a discussion and share their expertise and experiences through the FOCAL web portal which will be specifically created for this project. 

The main target groups are adult students who, due to a number of pedagogical, social and economic factors, are in need of a more flexible approach concerning the organization of the learning environment, and adult education providers who are interested in the development of the flexible open classroom. 

The outcomes of the network will be manifold: the awareness and dissemination of a flexible approach to adult education, the FOCAL portal (which will function as a communication and resource center), a handbook written for educators and libraries which would like to try out the methods, and presentations of the project ideas in written articles, talks at conferences, etc.

Please note that the focal portal is under construction and will not be complete until November 2003.