Technology Enhanced Transition Programme for Distance Learners

1
Technology Enhanced Transition Programmefor
Distance Learners
Ruth. Copeland-Phillips, Paul Cox, Louise
Maxwell, School of Science and Technology.
1. Introduction
It is recognised that student integration and
support extends over the whole student life
cycle, yet a critical point for most students
entering higher education is the pre enrolment
and induction process. These processes enable the
transition and integration of the student into
Higher Education both academically and socially.
Distance, open or blended provision in particular
has faced significant challenges to provide
effective strategies to bridge the distance
between students, tutors and the institution. 
With recent technological advancements many
institutions are increasingly using
communications technologies, virtual learning
systems and web-based technologies to enhance the
delivery and to improve flexibility and
accessibility of courses.  Technological tools,
whether integral to a course or used as
supplementary tools to support learners, require
effective communication and guided support
strategies.  The aim of this research was to
develop a transition programme delivered during
pre-enrolment through to induction for domestic
and international distance learning students. A
range of audio and visual technologies were used
in the development of an enhanced toolkit,
incorporating learning resources and course
information, which formed a transition programme
piloted in May 2011. It is anticipated that this
programme will help embed more effective student
support practices and to widen access for less
represented sections of the community.
2. Background
3. Aims

• This project aims to increase support and
  retention of non-full-time programmes by the
  development of a technology based pre enrolment
  and induction transition programme.
• Objectives
• The development of an online integrated induction
  toolkit incorporating learning
• resources and course information.
• To facilitate the increased flexibility and
  accessibility for learners pre-enrolment to
  enable a smooth transition from the application
  stage.
• To introduce a pilot transition programme for
  distance learning students in May 2011
• To analyse and evaluate the experience of the
  learners to enhance the development of the
  transition programme.
• To consider the applicability of this approach to
  the wider University.

The School of Science and Technology run a
suite of Wastes management correspondence
courses. There are three opportunities a year to
enrol on the courses and early applicants may
wait in the system to officially enrol at the
next enrolment intake. In addition, many of the
students are international and therefore after
application and acceptance await their visa.
The proposed transition programme will enable
early access facilitating student engagement and
early integration into the HE environment and the
University community. The programme itself will
allow familiarisation with the new learning
environment and provide a form of ownership of
the courses and thereby fostering an identity
with the University. The nature of the programme
will underpin the learning resources available
for success during study and continuing
progression and enhancement of both academic and
personal development.
2
4. Methods

• A range of multimedia E-Learning authoring and
  design tools were evaluated. These design tools
  allow for the creation of media rich interactive
  content. The evaluation included a range of free
  and commercially available packages.
• These included
• CourseLab
• Panopto
• Xerte
• Camtasia
• Snag-It (Figure 1)
• Screenpresso
• Wimbacreate (Figure 3)
• The tools were evaluated for versatility, ease
  of use and output format.
• The tools were used to create a number of
  integrated visual and audio packages drawing key
  information into a one stop resource shop for
  new students. Students are able to view the
  toolkit via guest access to Blackboard (Figure
  2).

Figure 1 Snag-It
Figure 2 Guest Access
Figure 3 Wimbacreate
5. Results

• The resource was piloted with existing DL
  students who were asked to comment on four
  specific areas.

Open response comments
Knowledge gain Not really learnt anything new but
it would have helped my understanding if i had
access to this from the start. I found the
information regarding the points system for
degrees and how to move forward with your studies
informative. I did understand better the
principles of the Harvard referencing system.
Usefulness of information Yes it was easy to use
and informative. Information was clear and easy
to understand and gives a new student a good idea
of what to expect before starting the course.
Accessibility Very easy to use. Very easy to
access and easy to navigate to the area
needed. Simple, quick and direct.
Figure 4 Student Feedback
Improvement on Induction material The site looks
good and works well. It has refreshed my memory
of a few things. Having it available as a
resource will undoubtedly be of benefit to new
and existing students.. I would have preferred
to access the information this way as it set out
in the correct order and has links to other areas
of the website and tutorials. It is easy to
return to the contents page after clicking on
other links..