@proceedings {
	title = {Giving flexible learners a head start on higher education: Designing and implementing a pre-induction socialisation MOOC},
	author = {Brunton, James and Brown, Mark and Costello, Eamon and Farrell, Orna and Mahon, Conor},
	editor = {Kloos, Carlos Delgado and Jermann, Patrick and Pérez-Sanagustín, Mar and Seaton, Daniel T. and White, Su},
	abstract = {This paper reports on a five week pre-induction socialisation MOOC that facilitates successful transition into Higher Education for flexible learners. In this context a broad definition is adopted of flexible learners, which includes adult learners in part-time and/or online/distance education. A number of national and international reports have emphasised the importance of bringing more adult learners into higher education, and adult learners have a preference for flexible programmes. The MOOC targets prospective learners during early parts of the study life-cycle, when they are considering entry into higher education and may benefit from advice about how to effectively prepare. The MOOC utilises a number of the OERs developed by the Student Success Toolbox project, and combines these readiness tools with supporting materials in order to deliver a comprehensive pre-induction socialisation course. A small pilot ran from the 15th Aug--19th Sept 2016. 150 people enrolled with 50 going on to receive a certificate of completion. Those selected to take part in this pilot were prospective flexible learners planning to start courses in Ireland in 2016/2017 and a cohort of approximately 70 learners from Kiron, an organisation supporting refugees in accessing higher education. The feedback received, albeit limited by the numbers of respondents, indicates that a course that uses the OERs developed by the Students Success Toolbox project, can have a positive impact on prospective flexible learners.},
	year = {2017},
	month = {05/2017},
	publisher = {Springer International Publishing},
	edition = {1},
	volume = {10254},
	pages = {10-19},
	address = {Madrid},
	country = {Spain},
	doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59044-8_2},
	url = {https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-59044-8_2},
	isbn = {978-3-319-59044-8},
	refereed = {yes},
	keywords = {digital readiness tools, flexible learner, pre-induction socialisation, retention, student success},
}