Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper explores the role mobile technologies can play in supporting students' transition to second and third year of university degree study along articulation routes from Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) study at college. Articulating students face particular challenges associated with, typically, adjusting to a step up in the level of their academic studies, acclimatising to an unfamiliar academic culture, and integrating into an existing cohort of students. 'Message of Support', a project funded by the Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and Borders Regional Articulation Hub (ELRAH), developed a range of SMS, podcasts, and DVD resources, drawing on the voice and experience of existing students, in order to support new students and staff in their respective parts in the articulation journey. Through a process of action research, it was found such resources can aid the transition process by offering timely reassurance and information to students as well as valuable development materials for staff. Responses to the challenges of using mobile technologies as support mechanisms for articulating students were also identified.