This paper describes a funded research and development project that is currently a work in progress. The project addresses the problem of effective flexible learner transitions into Higher Education (HE), during the study-lifecycle’s initial stages. Flexible learners are defined, here, as adults engaged in part-time or online/distance learning. Enhancing the retention/completion rates of flexible learners is a significant problem both globally and within the Irish context (HEA 2012; Simpson 2005). Although the number of flexible learners in Ireland is low in comparison to other countries, at around 17% of undergraduates (HEA 2012), there are concerns about their ability to progress towards completion. Set against this backdrop, and with support from the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education [http://teachingandlearning.ie], the project involves an initiative by four partner institutions to address this problem.

1. Dr. James Brunton, Prof. Mark Brown, Dr. Eamon
Costello, Lorraine Delaney, Seamus Fox, Ciara Galvin
& Nuala Lonergan
National Institute for Digital Learning, Dublin City University
Digital Readiness Tools for Use in
Supporting Flexible Learners:
A Research and Development
Transitions Project

2. studentsuccess.ie

4. Project Plan

5. Analysis of Literature &
Analysis of Existing Tools
• Methodology
–Analysis of Literature: Systematic
Review (Torraco [2005], Boote and
Beile [2005], EPPI-Centre [2010])
–Analysis of Existing Tools: Intensive
search of institution websites

6. Analysis of Literature &
Analysis of Existing Tools
Thematic Tool Clusters
1. Course match
2. Preparation for Higher Education
3. Orientation
4. Addressing personal circumstances
5. Community
6. Satisfactory student experience

7. (Draft) Toolbox

8. Where to From Here…