Graduate School Bootcamp: An eLearning Program to Prepare Students for Graduate Study

Graduate-level online learning programs provide opportunities for adults with work and/or family responsibilities to change or advance their careers. However, enrolling in a graduate program can be challenging for students if they have spent many years away from the academic environment. Prospective students may feel intimidated by advances in computer technology, uncertain about using library resources, and doubtful of their writing abilities. They may have difficulty remembering basic research terminology, as several years may have passed since taking a basic research course. To deal with these issues, The George Washington University Doctor of Nursing Practice Program has been funded by the Health Resources Services Administration to develop an open-access, online program called "Graduate School Boot Camp." The program includes five interactive, multimedia learning modules designed to provide incoming students with refresher education in the following topic areas: learning strategies and time management, academic writing, managing technology challenges, basic research concepts, and using library resources. To engage and motivate learners, the program integrates a fun, graphical sports theme with audiovisual presentations, examples, demonstrations and practice exercises. Modules include: 1. Warming Up to Graduate School - Fitness Test (Are You Ready for Grad School? Self-Assessment) - Study Skills Stretch - Stress Management Sit Ups - Time Management Treadmill 2. Tech-savvy: Tools for the Trek (Mountain Climbing Theme) - Internet Information Center - Hardware Hill - Software Summit - eLearning Express - Media Mountain - Organization Overlook - Tech-Check Trail 3. Academic Writing (Jogging Theme) - Starting with Style - Abstract Alley - Manuscript Marathon - Plagiarism Pulse Check - Victory Lap 4. Cycling for Sources & Success (Biking Theme) - A Scholarly Start - Anywhere Access Road - Resource Roundabout - Library Lane - Database Drive - Smart Search Shortcut - Find It Finish Line 5. Diving into Research (Swimming Theme) - Lingo Landing - Concept Cove - Design Dock - Methodology Mile - Island of Threats (to Validity) - Analysis Whirlpool - Results Rest - Tiki Bar Test. Program effectiveness will be evaluated using a pre- and post-test to assess to students' knowledge of each topic area before and after completing the modules. Student achievement and retention will also be tracked over time. Students who complete all of the modules and pass the post-test will receive a certificate. This presentation will demonstrate the modules and discuss the design and development process.. Participants will also learn how to access the modules through GWU's open-access repository of eLearning materials.