“In what ways can a Web 2.0 themed VLE help enable students, from social and economically excluded backgrounds, to engage in collaborative learning experience? “
With the emphasis on promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing this study seeks to leverage effectively the Web 2.0 tools available to engage students within a social VLE
Engaging access students through social networking
1. David Hamill Training & Publications Information System Services Sarah Grimson Coordinator Foundation Courses for Higher Education Trinity Access Programmes Social Networking - Engaging access students in a collaborative learning experience
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5. The Schools & Community Outreach Links Developing Alternative Admissions Routes, Policies & Procedures Learning What Works: TAP Evaluation & Research The Post Entry Progression Programme
In 2004, Trinity was the first Irish university to establish a formal target of 15% for students from non-traditional backgrounds – so this includes mature students, students with a disability and socio-economically disadvantaged students. The Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) are a central part of Trinity’s plan to encourage this students who come from socio-economic groups under-represented in higher education, to realise their full educational potential. Since its inception in 1993 TAP has grown & developed providing a continuum of programmes for children, young adults and mature students at primary, second and third level and now comprises four distinctive areas
Firstly we have the our Schools & Community Outreach Links: We are currently linked to 19 primary schools & 24 secondary schools in the greater Dublin area and provide a vast range of programmes and activities for both students and parents. The second aspect of our work involves developing Alternative Admissions Routes to third level: As part of this we run 2 year long in house foundation courses, one for young adults and one for mature student which focus on preparing these students for the demands of third level study We also run partnership Courses in Liberal Arts with the CDVEC’s Colleges in Pearse, Plunket & Liberties colleges. Finally we are involved in the HEAR scheme, which is a national alternative entry scheme run across 7 Irish Universities. This year we facilitated 118 students in taking up places in Trinity via the HEAR scheme. The Post-Entry Progression Programme Once students have entered the university via these various routes, we provide a comprehensive range of services & supports, both financial, academic & social to support these students. Learning What Works: TAP Evaluation & Research As TAP has grown & developed we have realised the importance of both evaluating our existing initiatives & researching new areas of access education to inform our own practices & develop evidence based Models of Good Practice.
S. Irish education system, expanded rapidly since 1960s, one of fastest rates in Europe age participation rate in HE increasing from 11% in 1965 to 57% in 2003 not shared equally across socio-economic groups. proportion of students from lower seg lower similar in EU, such as Britain, where expansion at tertiary level has benefited higher socio-economic groups disproportionately