Work Based Distance Learning (WBDL) welcomed a new cohort of students at the end of October. To ensure students are suitably equipped for their academic studies, a comprehensive Induction Programme starts very soon after enrolment, comprising a number of sessions which are delivered to students both on-line and on-campus.
The on-line induction programme takes place over a week and a half, covering expectations and requirements of the WBDL student, as well as practical matters such as accessing and using resources on Blackboard and the on-line Library. Additionally, the first module and assessment is introduced, and a range of sessions address matters such as plagiarism, academic writing and reflection. Students further benefit from a number of module-related sessions throughout each module.
Attendance at the on-line sessions was the highest to date, with over 90 students from all over the world attending throughout the week. As students may not be able to attend due to work commitments or time zones, all sessions are recorded to ensure information is available to all. Following the more formal input from presenters, each session offers an opportunity for questions and, perhaps equally importantly, students are able to interact with each other and exchange contact details, allowing them to build up a peer support network. Peer support networks have proved extremely beneficial in the past and go some way to avoiding the isolation that can often result from studying at a distance.
Part of the Induction Programme includes an on-campus day, with some 80 students visiting the campus and benefitting from the opportunity to interact with their tutors and other WBDL students. Given that WBDL students are worldwide, clearly not all can attend, though in the past we have had students travel long distances and some have even travelled from South Africa, Holland and Ireland. All resources are disseminated via Blackboard to ensure students can benefit even if they were unable to attend. Students are provided with a badge indicating their degree, which facilitates identification and interaction with students on the same degree. New students are also provided with a University of Lincoln sweatshirt to promote the University whenever it is worn.
The Student Union attend the on-campus day to organise the nomination and election of Course Representatives for each degree programme. Given that WBDL students are worldwide, it is hoped to offer this on-line in future to open up the opportunity to all students, regardless of where they live.
In addition to the programme for new WBDL students, the on-campus programme is also open to students who are part way through their studies. The ‘refresher programme’ comprises two separate strands of interactive lectures/workshops: “Supply Chain Management”, “Contemporary Leadership and Management”, “Coaching and Mentoring”, and “Dissertation” formed one strand, with the other focusing on “Career Enhancement”, considering the curriculum vitae and interviews so WBDL students have the best possible opportunity to market themselves and their WBDL degree. It was interesting to note that some ‘refreshers’ had formed a peer support network in the early stages of their study and the benefits of this were clearly in evidence.
The Induction Programme involves a lot of behind the scenes work in the preparation and planning of the event and relies on a number of staff to ensure its successful delivery – massive thanks are offered to the WBDL admin team, Helen Williams in the Library, together with the full time WBDL Tutors and the Associate Lecturers involved in delivery, together with those in attendance. The event could not possibly succeed without you all – thank you!
