tUNEup from Home University Preparation Course: An innovative practice to support first year students

Abstract

This presentation discusses an innovative, practice-based initiative to prepare first year students for tertiary study. The program is offered totally online and, through its utilisation of sound pedagogical practices, assists students to become independent, self-directed learners who are able to manage the basics of academic writing and referencing, to use online learning tools and to access the university's support services. The design of the program allows for high level student participation, but requires relatively low staff maintenance to run for up to 100 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 surveys and has now reached a consistently high level of student satisfaction in student surveys.