OE Global 2018

This paper reports on a five-week pre-induction socialisation MOOC designed to facilitate successful transition into Higher Education for flexible learners. In this context a broad definition is adopted of flexible learners, which includes adult learners engaged in part-time and/or online/distance education. The MOOC targets prospective flexible learners during early parts of the study life-cycle, when they are considering entry into higher education, or have just made that decision and may benefit from advice about how to effectively prepare. The MOOC has at its core a number of the Open Educational Resources (OER) developed by the Student Success Toolbox project (studentsucess.ie) and combines these digital readiness OERs with other supporting materials, e.g. additional text and video content, discussion forums, and activities, in order to deliver a comprehensive pre-induction socialisation course. The additional materials support the key messages contained in the digital readiness OERs that are at the heart of the MOOC. The key areas of focus in the MOOC are to: present information that aids in the creation of realistic expectations about flexible learning in higher education, especially around the importance of time-management; facilitate prospective learners in reflecting on their readiness for study; reduce anxiety by presenting reassuring messages; offer opportunities for socialisation with other prospective learners; equip these prospective learners with advice and tools on how to effectively prepare for study. A small pilot of the MOOC indicates that a course such as this, that uses the open educational resources developed by the student success toolbox project, can have a positive impact on prospective flexible learners.