Integrating Employers in Thesis Work Using an Open

Learning Environment:Case PROksi

Tuomas KorkalainenMarkku Tähtinen

Does the knowledge

students demonstrate in

their thesis meet the

requirements of working

life?

New job descriptions and knowhow are

evolving in working life. Are the

universities keeping up with these

developments? 

The need to improve the transition from university studies to working life is apparent.

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students teachers

employers

Open access:• training• events• publications• PROksi

PROksi - Open Learning EnvironmentWhat's in it for me?

Students• possibility to

demonstrate own strengths

• topics for thesis

• Networking

• working from distance

Teachers• new tool for thesis work

• new learning environment

• new possibilities for sharing knowledge

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Employers• new recruit model

• Thesis’ can benefit organisation

• possibility to influence content of studies

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Screenshot from PROksi-platform. Main page.

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PROksi – Topic bank

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• Employers can suggest ideas for• Final theses • Course projects• Promote their organisation

• Students can• Contact employers directly• Reserve and relase topics

during two academic years 2012-2013 2013-2014

official final theses tool in 3 degree programmes other student projects more than 300 users positive feedback from all stakeholders

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Pilot phase

Different levels of digital skills

Students Fear of writing in an open space Tolerating incompleteness

Employers Loosing trade secrets resources

Teachers Pedagogical challenges

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Challenges

Everything is done in open source WordPress - content management system Uses BuddyPress plugin PROksi is a theme build upon Buddypress Has been modified to the meet the needs of the project Will be available for other institutions for free

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Mainstreaming

reititin.metropolia.fiproksi.metropolia.fi

twitter.com/reititinfacebook.com/reititin

Tuomas Korkalainentuomas.korkalainen@metropolia.fitwitter: tuomenos