‘E-help!’ - learner support in higher education

Abstract

The drive towards widening participation in higher education is reflected by the variety of students that represent the student body in 21st century education. The diversity of students’ educational, vocational and experiential backgrounds and the requirement by institutions and educators to recognise these differences is paramount. It is beholden of institutions to provide help and assistance to these learners during their course of study, providing access to individual guidance and support if and when they need it. This provision, whilst benefitting students, will also impact positively on university retention and progression figures, of vital importance in the current economic/educational climate. ‘The appropriate use of technology is leading to significant improvements in learning and teaching across the sector and...this is translating into improved satisfaction, retention and achievement’ (Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), 2009: 6).