Abstract
There has been a big increase in students moving from Further Education colleges to penultimate or final year studies at university. From anecdotal evidence, many feel very isolated, and do not have the same opportunities to integrate academically and socially, as
students who join the same programme in the first year. Academic literature encourages development of activities which promote a sense of ‘belonging’ within the student cohort – feeling accepted, valued, and included in both classroom and institutional level (Goodenow, 1993). This is achieved through both social and academic engagement, which refers to the deeper level of involvement in the curriculum rather than just surface learning or
compliance (Ramsden 2003).
The use of social media to ease the transition, provide peer and mentor support, and promote integration, is a topic that we have been exploring across the academic disciplines. It is evident from our questionnaire responses, that social media can enable the students to better prepare, and enhance their university experience. This project, which is running concurrently at Sheffield Hallam University (Engineering students) and Queen Margaret
University (Business students), intends to create an online student community, using social media, to share information, experiences and advice.
students who join the same programme in the first year. Academic literature encourages development of activities which promote a sense of ‘belonging’ within the student cohort – feeling accepted, valued, and included in both classroom and institutional level (Goodenow, 1993). This is achieved through both social and academic engagement, which refers to the deeper level of involvement in the curriculum rather than just surface learning or
compliance (Ramsden 2003).
The use of social media to ease the transition, provide peer and mentor support, and promote integration, is a topic that we have been exploring across the academic disciplines. It is evident from our questionnaire responses, that social media can enable the students to better prepare, and enhance their university experience. This project, which is running concurrently at Sheffield Hallam University (Engineering students) and Queen Margaret
University (Business students), intends to create an online student community, using social media, to share information, experiences and advice.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 10-10 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 13 Jun 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Liverpool John Moores University Teaching and Learning Conference 2018: The Changing Landscape of Higher Education - Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom Duration: 13 Jun 2018 → 14 Jun 2018 https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/conferences/teaching-and-learning-conference |
Conference
| Conference | Liverpool John Moores University Teaching and Learning Conference 2018 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | LJMUTLC18 |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Liverpool |
| Period | 13/06/18 → 14/06/18 |
| Internet address |