tUNEup from home University Preparation Course: assisting students with learning in higher education

Abstract

This paper discusses an innovative, practice-based initiative to prepare first year students for learning in their disciplines. The program is offered totally online and, through its use of sound pedagogical practices, assists students to become independent, self-directed learners who are able to manage the development of essential academic literacies. The design of the program allows for high level student participation, but requires relatively low staff maintenance to run for up to 200 students for each three week session. This program is equitable because it is free and all students can participate from their home base, regardless of their location and personal circumstance. tUNEup from Home has been evolving across a four year period as it responds to participant feedback and has now reached a consistently high level of student satisfaction in student surveys.