EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Traditionally, college academic upgrading programs have not been strong users of the AlphaPlus Centre services. In an effort to discover what AlphaPlus resources might be useful to college programs, especially at the more advanced levels, the College Sector Committee (CSC) recruited faculty from colleges across the province to research the suitability of resources available through AlphaPlus. Objectives of the project included helping colleges become aware of AlphaPlus services and resources, identifying gaps or barriers to their use, and increasing the Centre’s awareness of the College Sector’s resource needs and delivery environment.

The CSC research initiative was successful in meeting its objectives, particularly in increasing colleges’ awareness of the kinds of resources and supports AlphaPlus provides. Eleven volunteers from seven colleges conducted an extensive search of three AlphaPlus services:

• AlphaRoute
• Demonstrations Ontario, and
• Library Services

The researchers discovered many creative, engaging, level-appropriate resources and detailed how these resources could be used in programming. They provided useful suggestions for improving resources. They also identified many gaps in resources, mostly in AlphaRoute and mainly in the area of Science.

The researchers examined the services more broadly to identify issues related to accessibility, navigability, potential for use with college upgrading students, and support for teachers. While they were generally pleased with the accessibility and navigability features of Demonstrations Ontario and Library Services, they found these features in AlphaRoute wanting. They provided excellent suggestions for improving accessibility and navigability in all three services. The researchers saw value in these services for their students and felt that college educators would be inclined to use them, if the concerns they identified were addressed.

The assistance provided by AlphaPlus staff was instrumental to the success of this initiative. They provided clear direction up front and strong support throughout. AlphaPlus is recognized for its “culture of support,” and this support was evident in responses from researchers.