Research shows many students are unprepared for the transition from school/college to university, and the more we can help prepare students for this change, the more likely they will be to succeed and achieve at university.
A study (Independent Learning; Students’ Perspectives and Experiences, 2015) found that not only are students unaware of the expectations of them to be independent at university, but also of the value of being independent as a life skill.
This work has formed the basis and rationale for developing an innovative platform to engage students. Independent Learners’ Toolkit is an online game experience to help raise students’ awareness of the independent nature of university life.
The University of Greenwich has developed an online course targeted at Level 3 learners, and in particular at students who have limited experience of, or access to, role models in higher education. Recent studies show a direct correlation between university retention rates and students’ awareness of what is expected of them to be successful at university (Smith, S., Joslin, H. and Jamieson, J., 2016).
The Independent Learners’ Toolkit uses game technology to deliver a virtual campus experience. Users can explore the various elements of university life: student accommodation, the library, the lecture theatre, etc. and pick up skills as they ‘progress’ through university. Based on the recommendations of research, that students are more likely to learn about independent learning skills through peer mentoring, the university has developed an interactive session that student ambassadors can deliver to prospective university students. Although student ambassadors delivering the sessions will work through a structured programme, there will also be opportunities for them to share their personal experiences and answer questions.
This workshop will give participants an understanding of how the peer-mentoring session is structured. Participants will be given an opportunity to demo the course and have access to students’ qualitative feedback from pilot projects. Participants will be invited to join a consultative working group on future use of this resource, as well as other Greenwich online resources.
Delegates will: