‘Uni Life’ A blended learning experience for students from low socio economic and low participation regions within the USQ catchment area.

Introduction Source: Seven Local News and Win News

Background of Region Source: Next Step Survey 2010

Background of Region Source: Regional Development Australia- Wide Bay Burnett 2010

Background of Region Source: Regional Development Australia- Wide Bay Burnett 2010

Background of Region Source: Regional Development Australia- Wide Bay Burnett 2010

Background of Project Encourage post-secondary school education aspirations Available pathways and study modes ‘Real’ university experience History Initial project ran in 2007 – career focused Year level specific information 2008 – in school visits Moving towards ‘blended learning’ 2010

Format of Project Session 1- Introductory program Session 2- Online/ external Student Experience Session 3- On campus Experience

Session 1- Introductory program Introduction to the Uni Life project Introduction to life at university as a web student Use of the study desk and tools such as forums Insight into the difference between university and school Introduction to the module for the program – Non Verbal Communication (CMS1000) Introduction to the assessment for the Uni Life project

Session 2- Online/External Student Experience Download and review lecture Read modified module Complete exercises related to topic Assignment and submission through EASE

Session 3- On campus Experience University campus tour and introduction to resources and equipment used at university Introduction and activities by each faculty On campus lecture Feedback on assessment Feedback from students and teachers on learning objective

Requirements of Program Moodle site set up for students including password access Set up of forums, EASE submission Modified program from university based module

Outcomes- Short Term Ability to navigate ‘study desk’ Ability to study like a distance education student Gain a feel for life as a on campus student Become comfortable with Hervey Bay as a educational destination Preference for USQ as educational provider

Outcomes- Long Term Increase awareness and aspiration building for university pathways Increase in participation in tertiary education Increase in participation in USQ programs such as ‘Head Start’ and ‘TPS’

Conclusions Schools and students support program due to lack of exposure to universities and career opportunities Lack of in depth data from the region make it difficult to show how students exposed to the project move to tertiary education decisions. Skills from the program can be used in day to day life even if tertiary education is not a pathway.

Recommendations Sustainable funding model Research on long term outcomes of program including effective statistics Increased resources similar to USQ external students- study book and CD Whole of university participation in creating engaging faculty based activities for the students Research into current school curriculum to ensure value adding for schools and students Look to replicate model in other USQ catchment areas

Questions