How do students ‘get learning’?

Unexpectedly diverse pathways in an activity based, online orientation site

Abstract

Students face a variety of hurdles when commencing further study involving online learning environments. There is no shortage of print-based orientation advice and static online tips; however, rarely do these supports mirror the activities and pedagogies of formal online learning. Two collaborating faculties of health at the University of Sydney developed a modular orientation site known as GetLearning for beginning postgraduate students. Tracking data, moderator journal data and design team reflections were analysed to identify student use patterns. This paper presents insights about access patterns and interactions with the resource. Findings reinforce the need for timely, interaction-based orientation activities, and highlight student need for both individual support and ongoing access to orientation style resources throughout the semester.