CTLC Innovative Development Fund

Janey Saunders

Student Services

Transition and Technology

Utilising Innovative Technologies To Address Transitional Issues Faced By Under-represented

Students In Higher Education(Under-represented groups: Low SES, Indigenous, Rural &

Isolated, NESB, Disabilities)

The Program

• 13 week transition and technology program• 1 session per week• Coordinated through Student Services• Facilitated though Student Mentoring approach• Each session will be dedicated to a particular

topic that addresses academic, social, emotional and cultural needs of the target group

• CTLC innovations will be employed in the teaching and learning practices of this content

Rationale

• Provision of opportunities for under-represented groups. – ‘first in family’ less familiar with the tertiary context and

associated technologies.• Teaching and Learning Enhancement Plan 2003

– 2007– GOAL 3: Flexible and engaging teaching practice

• Students are very positive about the use of ICT to support their studies (Kennedy et al 2006)

Trial Program 2007

Student Services

• Exists to enhance student well-being, learning outcomes, career and life goals;

• Has designed the project to address transitional needs of the target group, with a particular emphasis on learning through technology

Participants

• Linda Bird - Project Leader• Kelly Matthews - Designer and author of project

application• Student Services- Development, coordination,

implementation and evaluation• TEDI- Expert consultant in collaborative best

practices and new technologies• CTLC- Provision of access to and training in

technologies

Objectives for the Target Group

• To incorporate T&L strategies into 1st year transition

• To increase access and use of technologies• To increase learner outcomes for under-

represented groups• To increase retention rates of this target group• To build peer mentoring

Approach

• Foster collaborative T&L practices through the employment of Learning Community Leaders

• Address relevant issues to commencing students through the integration of technology as an educational resource

• Weekly ‘tutorial’ sessions in CTLC with continuing on line discussion via Blackboard

Technology

• Pods - small group modes

• Video conferencing - connecting Gatton & St. Lucia students

• Blogs and other online collaboration tools

• Blackboard site

• Familiarisation with UQ online services

Outcomes

• Retention rates• Academic performance• Integration into University culture-sense of

belonging • First year experience• Access to available services • Spread the word about their great experiences at

UQ• Become loyal alumni of UQ!

Comments to date

• Where are we now?• Positives• higher overall GPAs • stronger sense of belonging to the university community • perception of being better prepared• Negatives• small sample size with regard to attendance• Bb usage by this cohort was not great, • different faculties made connecting to content difficult,

resulting in generic skills topics. • Heavy reliance on student leaders.