This is really nool! UOIT develops innovative new resource to boost writing, math skills
February 8, 2010
University uses provincial first-generation funding to develop multimedia-rich website
OSHAWA, ON. - With provincial government funding to get the project off the ground, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has developed an interactive and popular new website, nool.ca, that provides information and resources to help students improve their post-secondary writing and math skills.
It was in early 2009 that the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities announced UOIT would receive $149,000 in first-generation funding, which is designed to assist students who are the first in their families to pursue post-secondary studies. UOIT used the funds to develop nool, with an objective to get students excited about learning the skills needed to find success with their writing and math courses, and give them multiple ways to get there. The site launched August 10.
"We are tremendously pleased with nool; this is a fabulous project," said Dr. Bill Muirhead, UOIT's associate provost, Academic. "It is the way student support should be offered and that is why students have embraced it. What makes it particularly unique is that while it was designed with first-generation students in mind, it's a terrific tool for all post-secondary students at UOIT and even right across Ontario."
Work on the site began in April, with a number of UOIT faculty members involved in developing the resources, along with representatives from the Campus Library and some contractors. A multimedia developer was hired and at the time of the launch, nool movie-style posters were placed around campus to generate awareness.
The site uses three main routes for accessing information: by UOIT academic faculty, by topic, and 'What the…?' which offers a broad grouping of questions. Among its features are a virtual campus that users tour to access course refreshers and tutorials, assistance for first-time users, and noolNews delivered through a Twitter account. UOIT students also have an option to register with nool, which allows them to share tips and suggestions with other students, review their search history and communicate with specialists.
While the funding was a one-time allotment and used to get the site up and running, UOIT will continue to maintain and operate it for many years to come.
"We invite all students in Ontario to visit the site, explore all that it offers for their success, and use it as often as possible," added Dr. Muirhead. "We really consider this a provincial resource."
The site has been very well received to date. There have been just under 10,000 visits from the site launch through the end of December, with those users accounting for more than 27,000 page views.
The development of nool is another example of UOIT's commitment to ensuring it offers a range of services and resources so students can reach their greatest potential. As just a few examples, the university is home to an award-winning Campus Library; provides assistance with accessibility needs; offers academic support, including study skills and exam preparation; a Diversity office; a first-year experience co-ordinator who helps with the adjustment to post-secondary studies; financial aid; and employment resources.
The provincial government invested more than $7.3 million in first-generation projects at 35 post-secondary institutions during the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 fiscal years. In total, it has invested more than $32 million to support first-generation students since 2007. The government notes youth whose parents have a post-secondary education are 2.4 times more likely to attend college or university, meaning this funding priority will help more first-generation youth realize the personal and professional benefits that come with pursuing post-secondary studies.
OSHAWA, ON. - With provincial government funding to get the project off the ground, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has developed an interactive and popular new website, nool.ca, that provides information and resources to help students improve their post-secondary writing and math skills.
It was in early 2009 that the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities announced UOIT would receive $149,000 in first-generation funding, which is designed to assist students who are the first in their families to pursue post-secondary studies. UOIT used the funds to develop nool, with an objective to get students excited about learning the skills needed to find success with their writing and math courses, and give them multiple ways to get there. The site launched August 10.
"We are tremendously pleased with nool; this is a fabulous project," said Dr. Bill Muirhead, UOIT's associate provost, Academic. "It is the way student support should be offered and that is why students have embraced it. What makes it particularly unique is that while it was designed with first-generation students in mind, it's a terrific tool for all post-secondary students at UOIT and even right across Ontario."
Work on the site began in April, with a number of UOIT faculty members involved in developing the resources, along with representatives from the Campus Library and some contractors. A multimedia developer was hired and at the time of the launch, nool movie-style posters were placed around campus to generate awareness.
The site uses three main routes for accessing information: by UOIT academic faculty, by topic, and 'What the…?' which offers a broad grouping of questions. Among its features are a virtual campus that users tour to access course refreshers and tutorials, assistance for first-time users, and noolNews delivered through a Twitter account. UOIT students also have an option to register with nool, which allows them to share tips and suggestions with other students, review their search history and communicate with specialists.
While the funding was a one-time allotment and used to get the site up and running, UOIT will continue to maintain and operate it for many years to come.
"We invite all students in Ontario to visit the site, explore all that it offers for their success, and use it as often as possible," added Dr. Muirhead. "We really consider this a provincial resource."
The site has been very well received to date. There have been just under 10,000 visits from the site launch through the end of December, with those users accounting for more than 27,000 page views.
The development of nool is another example of UOIT's commitment to ensuring it offers a range of services and resources so students can reach their greatest potential. As just a few examples, the university is home to an award-winning Campus Library; provides assistance with accessibility needs; offers academic support, including study skills and exam preparation; a Diversity office; a first-year experience co-ordinator who helps with the adjustment to post-secondary studies; financial aid; and employment resources.
The provincial government invested more than $7.3 million in first-generation projects at 35 post-secondary institutions during the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 fiscal years. In total, it has invested more than $32 million to support first-generation students since 2007. The government notes youth whose parents have a post-secondary education are 2.4 times more likely to attend college or university, meaning this funding priority will help more first-generation youth realize the personal and professional benefits that come with pursuing post-secondary studies.
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