We have created an online module to support students in their transition to UCD and to assist them build their academic skills. This online module complements the in person Academic Skills Series: ’How to…UCD” programme.
Academic integration/belonging, Personal mental health/well-beingOnline program | Off campus | Online | Recorded / Asynchronic
Time lineWhat is the main idea or gist?
What does this initiative/support/project look like?
We have created this online module to support students in their transition to UCD and to assist them to build their academic skills. It is available all year round on UCD’s virtual learning platform – Brightspace.
This module complements the in person Academic Skills Series: ‘How to…UCD” programme. This is a set 6-7 week programme that runs in semester 1, for students who are in their First Year of undergraduate study having entered through an Access and Lifelong Learning pathway. The link to this series is provided below.
To complement this series, we developed the online module – ALL Student Supports: University for All. The module is relevant to all students in UCD and is part of our University for All initiative. University for All brings together everyone in the UCD community to create an inclusive educational experience for all students.
The module contains a number of interactive online workshops and recorded workshops which students can work through at their own pace. Each section contains useful resources including a special section on learning online developed by UCD’s occupational therapists and assistive technology specialists which addresses some of the most common challenges: staying motivated, juggling demands and feeling disconnected.
Below is a full list of topics that are covered in this module:
It includes academic skills & student wellbeing as well as sessions on inclusion at UCD and an overview of UCD’s Universal Design approach.
Students can self-enrol in this module, and it is available on UCD’s virtual learning platform – Brightspace. It is not part of the curriculum, but students are strongly recommended to enrol in it. It is open to all students in UCD.
The module content was developed by UCD’s Access & Lifelong Learning – University for All Project team as well as colleagues working in disability and post entry student support.
What are the goals?
The online module aims:
How are students involved?
Feedback is sought after every series of workshops and recommendations are implemented where possible and reasonable.
What underlying constructs or ideas inspired the design?
Evidence suggests that additional academic support can assist students in building the skills they need to have student success. Modules were developed based on the common queries or challenges communicated by students to staff in 1:1 meetings.
What the success criteria and the points of attention?
(How) does the effectiveness get tracked?
It is effective as a resource for students and staff but anecdotally it would appear students want more one-to-one support instead of accessing online content.
strongly agree
(How) is this initiative/support/project evaluated?
No, the online module is not evaluated but the academic skills workshops are which has similar content.
How is it communicated and advertised?
What is the current and ideal timing and duration?
The online module is available all year round and students can enroll in it at any stage of their studies but it would be recommended for 1st year students.
This module is available at any point in the students studies, they can self-enrol in it.
What resources are needed to run this initiative?
Is it easily transferrable to other contexts or groups?
We think it is easily transferable to other contexts or groups.
Yes, this could be easily transferred if another institution had the resources to run and deliver the workshop series. When developing the module, it would be beneficial to meet with students to establish what their academic/wellbeing needs are and for them to have their voice included in the design and delivery.