Faculty Orientation Online Tool For First Year Science Students: Transitioning For Success

This paper investigates the design implementation of a discipline specific online orientation tool for new students of higher education. Many incoming students face difficulties because of the sudden change in the eduscape, the transition from high schools to higher education institutions made more difficult due to attributes such as different learning styles, lifestyles and traditional and cultural practices. In general, the lower pass rates in first year courses are especially noticeable for students who register late and those based in peripheral campuses and centres. This is also the case for many students who arrive to a new campus away from their countries for programmes not offered in their local campuses. This ICT enabled tool is designed to address the new students’ anxieties and fears, and ease the adaptation to Science Programmes in higher education. The tool also allows students to understand the dynamic environment, be informed about the academic and social issues and also have the ownership of the University. Based on the findings, the paper provides recommendations on the design, development and implementation of the Faculty Orientation Online tool (FOOT).