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This case study describes the development of a pre-entry transition course for new undergraduate students and its delivery online using a commercial open online course platform. Use of this ‘third space’ platform, and the additional in-house support that accompanied it, were essential in creating a professional-looking course to maximise interest among an entire cohort of undergraduates at the start of their academic careers, while the pre-entry timing aimed to engage students before they became engrossed in subject learning. The course had dual aims: to support students in the development of new academic skills and to build a sense of community and identification with the University before arrival. Videos of current students and academic tutors provided a face-to-face introduction to the university while articles and activities on academic skills were informed by professional learning development experience and expertise. Non-compulsory enrolment attracted 64% of eligible students, 40.2% of which marked 90% or more of the course as completed. The course is now undergoing revision in response to student feedback for next year’s iteration.

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The LearnHigher CETL is now is in its fourth year of developing research-informed resources to support student learning development. Partners at 16 UK Higher Education institutions have amassed a large quantity of data from students and staff on their preferences, needs and practices in twenty learning areas, as well as information about the use and design of learning spaces, and the role of learning developers. This article will report on LearnHigher's collaborative approach, using examples from a report to be published in Spring 2009 which takes an overview of LearnHigher research.

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