Online Conference on
Learning and Teaching with Technology
in Art Design and Communication
DeL Online 2009: Presenters
Steph Cosgrove & John Cowles
The whole truth and nothing but the truth: electronic information and communities of practice
Abstract
The Problem
UCF retention research suggests withdrawal is related to false expectations of institutional and course environments. Yet, we also aim to attract and retain a diverse student population, from non-traditional applicants, and international students. UCF has developed a menu of initiatives to engage with students prior to arrival recognizing that student persistence is mediated by the provision of socio-educational opportunities to encourage realistic student expectations; a feeling of belonging and the opportunity to engage with socio-academic communities from the earliest stage.
The Methodology
This paper represents the recommendations of 5 years of institutional research in evaluating existing innovative retention strategies, using a socio-educational model in particular. This approach utilises the student voice using qualitative and quantitative methods and recognises the longitudinal nature of the student experience as part of the communities of practice that exist within our art, design and media contexts.
We sought to longitudinally explore the importance of social and academic integration at different points, to inform existing strategies and create a blended platform for realistic student centred information provision and engagement in advance of the information overload of induction activity and the 1st semester when students are most vulnerable.
Focus was given to students’ perceptions of the impact of pre-entry contact and information provision; results suggesting there were gaps in the material we provided, in terms of tailored information for specific groups of students, a targeting that is often overlooked in generic retention and recruitment activity. Tailored existing initiatives (e.g. our pre-entry online chat-room community) received most favourable feedback as most relevant to students from diverse backgrounds and locations. Cost implications prevented the development of supplementary printed information yet we recognise that all students require realistic, relevant pre-entry information.
The Solution/conclusion
UCF received a British Council grant to develop an innovative online student handbook, the first of its kind in the UK. The technologies selected were all Open Source and involved integrating an Ajax, Javascript interface over a Drupal content management system (CMS). The Ajax/Javascript deployment allows for a more fluid, immediate and creative interaction between user and content, whilst the Drupal CMS provided a standards compliant accessible platform to ensure that a) the content was well structured and could be easily maintained and b) core functions were available to those with disabilities or users of screen readers. The system allows users to tag content they are interested in and ‘grab’ windows to a tool bar for later review. The objective was to create the usability of a physical handbook but at the same time make use of the particular benefits of the new web technologies.
The model allows development of further handbooks providing tailored information students’ need. Student led generation of visual and written content exposes existing students to professional practice and encourages peer-to-peer education through shared experiences, advice and academic preparation. This provision of tailored student generated information, encourages early access to our socio-educational communities of practice, and recognises the changing and diverse nature of our student population.
Key words
Student Retention, International and non-traditional students, Social and Academic Integration, Communities of Practice, E-Learning
Theme
Elearning tools,systems and strategies
Presentation
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Steph Cosgrove
Steph Cosgrove is a Senior Educational Development Lecturer and Historical and Cultural Studies Lecturer/Co-ordinator on the BA (Hons.) Photography course at University College Falmouth. Her doctoral research interests focus on undergraduate student persistence in an art and design context. Steph has developed a number of innovative pre-entry strategies at UCF to support student retention and promote students’ social and academic integration.
Ms Steph Cosgrove
Senior Lecturer; Educational Development & B.A. Photography
University College Falmouth
Tremough Campus
Penryn
Cornwall
TR10 9EZ
UK
Email: steph.cosgrove@falmouth.ac.uk
John Cowles
John Cowles run an ISO9001: 2000 certified software development/web agency that specialises in Open Source and Web 2.0+ rich web interfaces. He is a Member of the British Computer Society, has an MSc in IT and is a Prince 2 Practitioner.
Mr John Cowles
Director
Altcom Limited
13 North Parade
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 4SL
Email: john.cowles@altcom.co.uk
