IMPALA Informal Mobile Podcasting and Learning Adaptation

The Background and The Rationale

Informal Mobile Podcasting And Learning Adaptation for Transition (IMPALA4T) investigates using student-created podcasts to enhance students’ transition into Higher Education (HE). The project builds on the ten-factor design model developed by the University of Leicester’s Beyond Distance Research Alliance (BDRA) during the HEA-funded IMPALA project (impala.ac.uk). IMPALA4T delivers a model for capturing undergraduates’ informal knowledge and experience (‘hot knowledge’) into accessible podcasts of two types, Type A for the benefit of learners about to start their first HE course and Type B for those well into their first year (Level 1).

Studies of undergraduates’ satisfaction, academic performance and retention in HE identify the critical importance of the first year for shaping their attitudes and approaches to learning. Positive transition into HE has a direct impact on students’ later learning experience, particularly during their first year. Most interventions to support transitions are based on institution-driven approaches such as courses on learning and study skills. IMPALA4T uses podcasting to develop a new approach by tapping the knowledge and experience of current undergraduates. IMPALA4T builds on the ten-factor design model developed during the HEA-funded IMPALA project (impala.ac.uk).