%0	Conference Proceedings
%A	Brunton, James
%A	Brown, Mark
%A	Costello, Eamon
%A	Farrell, Orna
%A	Mahon, Conor
%C	Madrid, Spain, Europe
%D	2017
%E	Kloos, Carlos Delgado
%E	Jermann, Patrick
%E	Pérez-Sanagustín, Mar
%E	Seaton, Daniel T.
%E	White, Su
%I	Springer International Publishing
%K	digital readiness tools
%K	flexible learner
%K	pre-induction socialisation
%K	retention
%K	student success
%P	10-19
%R	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59044-8_2
%T	Giving flexible learners a head start on higher education: Designing and implementing a pre-induction socialisation MOOC
%U	https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-59044-8_2
%V	10254
%X	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.
%7	1
%8	05/2017
%@	978-3-319-59044-8
%*	yes