Creating a tool to support perseverance among post secondary students with learning difficulties

In Quebec, furthering your education is very much encouraged and we have observed that more and more people with learning difficulties are enrolling in postsecondary education. However, institutions lack the necessary resources to support this emerging clientele. In this context our developmental research was initiated to create an online support database for persistence in postsecondary education. Here we present the Système d'Aide Multimédia Interactif à la PERSÉVÉRANCE pour les étudiants ayant des Troubles d'Apprentissage (SAMI-Persévérance TA) (Interactive Multimedia Support System for Persistence for Students with Learning Difficulties) developed through this research as well as the results obtained from a trial with 181 students at the postsecondary level. Results revealed that students consider these tracking tools and support tools are pertinent, motivating and useful for resolving certain difficulties that they face during their studies, in terms of learning strategies and weaknesses in oral, written and mathematical skills.