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Abstract
This article profiles a Web-based tool developed with the support of two lifelong learning networks (LLNs) to address issues around higher education progression amongst under-represented groups across the East Midlands, including vocational learners and adults returning to education. Having introduced the site and explored its development, the article assesses its impact by considering the level and nature of usage. Whilst meeting its key objectives in terms of visitor numbers, this evaluation also addresses the quality of visits made to the site and the positive feedback received from surveyed users. The underlying reasons for the site’s success are then investigated. With attention turning to the site’s sustainability this exploration also considers the lessons that can be learned from developing and managing an online information and advice tool. In doing so, it is suggested that the findings will be of value to others involved in advising learners, given the increasing emphasis placed upon the Internet as a medium for the provision of information, advice and guidance.
Notes
1. Comprising the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.
2. See also Jones (Citation2008) who reported on ‘a significant amount of evidence suggesting that vocational learners (of all types) [received] insufficient information, advice and guidance to support their post-18 progression’.
3. Participant feedback, YFEM launch event, East Midlands Development Agency offices, Nottingham, 8 October 2008.
4. Participant feedback, YFEM launch event, East Midlands Development Agency offices, Nottingham, 8 October 2008.
5. Union learning representatives are employed to help raise awareness and interest in training and development amongst low-skilled workers.
6. Three workshops were conducted at Aimhigher Leicester and Leicestershire’s annual conference, Beaumanor Hall, 21 June 2011. Administered during May and June 2011, the survey involved Aimhigher Associates drawn from four Leicestershire-based further education colleges and universities who were mentoring school and college students across the county.
7. Although there are some recognised limitations with this calculation. See ‘How Do I Find Out Who was Looking on my Site on a Given Day’, Google Analytics Help Forum, https://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Analytics/thread?tid=342333489ddb6944&hl=en (accessed June 21, 2011).
8. Including Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, Lincoln and Northampton, as well as Mansfield, Ashfield, Chesterfield and Corby (Green 2005).
9. By blocking or deleting cookies. See Anon (Citation2011a).
10. See also http://forums.crystaltech.com/index.php?topic=33743.0.
11. Leap Ahead Lifelong Learning Network (2009).
12. Aimhigher Leicester and Leicestershire, annual conference, Beaumanor Hall, 21 June 2011.
13. An alternative measure in this respect is the bounce rate, which calculates the percentage of those accessing the site that leave after visiting the first page. YFEM’s bounce rate since its launch stands at just over 41%, a figure that appears to be fairly moderate according to Web discussions on the subject. However, there are a number of limitations with this measure as a performance indicator, see Anon (Citation2009a).
14. Aimhigher Leicester and Leicestershire, annual conference, Beaumanor Hall, 21 June 2011.
15. By January 2010, membership of the steering group included representatives from Libraries and Information East Midlands, the National Apprenticeship Service, NIACE, Leicestershire and Leicester City Learning Partnership and the Young People’s Learning Agency, as well as from universities, further education colleges, Aimhigher, the development agency and the LLNs. Minutes, Progression Pathways Project, Loughborough, 13 January 2010.
16. See http://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Future-East-Midlands/200792743264359 and http://twitter.com/#!/YourFutures.
17. Aimhigher Leicester and Leicestershire, annual conference, Beaumanor Hall, 21 June 2011.