Engagement through Teaching and Learning

RPL for ACCESS: Portfolio Development Programme

RPL assessment, Portfolio Development and academic readiness programme for mature adult learners

The global advancements brought forward by the Fourth Industrial Revolution have continued to pioneer the use of computer technology, online learning, and computer literacy in all sectors. The use of computer technology, learning management systems, specialized software, applications, and online learning and teaching environments are well established, constantly developing, widely utilized, and extensively researched within the higher education sector. The RPL for access portfolio development programme purposefully underwent re-curriculum in 2019 and was offered using a blended learning approach. Historically, the RPL Portfolio Development Course (PDC) at UWC was offered on a Saturday through six information sessions specifically aimed at building components of the portfolio. Dr. Rambharose shifted this model so that it would incorporate all elements of adult learning principles, technology-enhanced learning and exposure to the University environment, structures and resources. In 2019, my first cohort of RPL candidates made their way to the School of Public Health to participate in the RPL for access portfolio development programme. RPL adult learners expressed their gratitude as some of them set foot within a University setting for the first time in their life whilst others were overwhelmed by being the first person in their entire extended families and community to be attending a programme that could potentially place them within a university programme and set them on a trajectory of career growth and development that would go beyond oneself. RPL learners had the opportunity to see a live university model, with students sitting around on benches, attending classes, meeting lecturers from different faculties etc. These inclusions made the experience and the idea of reaching for your dream even more real. Various academic components were added to the programme to ensure that these RPL learners became equipped with the academic readiness skills needed to not only gain access but also succeed in University. The transition experienced by RPL adult learners from full-time/part-time employment to full-time university students is quite complex. Therefore appropriate learning and support tools need to be incorporated into the curriculum to ensure that portfolio development and academic readiness take place simultaneously. I have graphically depicted this notion in Figure 1, 2 and 3 below, displaying the impact and strategy for engaging with the RPL community of students (adult learners) and the subsequent stakeholders involved. 

RPL Portfolio Development ONLINE programme (During COVID-19 pandemic) 

The rapid onset of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown regulations impacted all areas of higher education including RPL. To maintain continuity and access for 2020 I had to explore the possibility of having fully online classes. Shifting to a fully online mode of teaching, learning and assessment for RPL adult learners was not a straightforward task. At first I was not even sure if the RPL learners would have the resources to attend fully online classes, or have the necessary skillset to navigate online learning 

Not all students have equal resources, technical skills or home environments that are conducive to learning more especially online self-directed learning.  A google form (survey) was sent to RPL candidates and the results from the survey indicated that it would be possible to shift to an online learning mode. I utilized Google Meet, GMail, Google Classroom and other online tools to engage and equip the students in the 2020 cohort. This was the first fully online learning and teaching programme outside of portfolio development within any higher education institution in the country. Majority of the RPL candidates who participated in the 2020 cohort are graduating in the upcoming 2024 graduation. I have several students (former RPL candidates 2020 cohort) who are graduating Cum Laude and others with many distinctions. I will be attending as part of the academic procession to share and celebrate this milestone and to show the community at large that dreams really do come true and education really does transform lives.