JISC

Overview

ICS Ltd and the University of East London (UEL) have worked in partnership offering distance learning degree programmes since 2004. All programmes are validated by UEL and delivered by ICS. Between them they support over 3500 students on 20 distance learning degrees. CABLE will use the expertise of both partners to improve the distance learner’s experience. The project focuses on the pre and post enrolment stages of the student lifecycle, but correlates to other ongoing initiatives within both institutions that aim to enhance the overall student experience.

Aims and objectives

ICS and UEL aim to create a better learning experience for distance learning students. CABLE will focus on the pre and post enrolment stages of the student lifecycle. The project will identify where efficiencies can be gained in the processes that constitute these stages, in order to direct more resource and attention towards the quality of the actual student experience. The primary focus will be to create a single source of truth that will enable both partners to improve the student experience. Technology will be utilised, where appropriate, to achieve this aim.

Project methodology

The project team will review existing research from surveys and focus groups that have already been undertaken with groups of distance learners, to establish what issues have been raised about their experiences at pre and post enrollment. Further research will include surveys, workshops, comparative studies and contextualized interviews with all key stakeholders, including operational staff from both institutions, students and members of the academic teams.

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

Blueprints for each of the components of the pre and post enrolment stages will be developed in order to identify barriers within the current processes. From these, prototype and pilot activities will be designed to be tested within the remit of the project. It is envisaged that the project will help ICS and UEL move to a position where technological solutions reduce administrative barriers that will free up resource to allow more proactive student support.