Just how can a mobile application assist in improving student experience?
There’s an expectation among students their college will give them information using technology they’re confident with. Combine this with estimates of 62 million smartphones within the United kingdom by 2015, it’s obvious the mobile application is really a technology most students is going to be confident with and get access to. Importantly, a mobile application is usually yet another service as opposed to a substitute, because the information available may also be utilized via different ways as needed i.e. through the web or on campus.
Use of information is a huge incentive when thinking about a mobile application. Outdoors College, lately won The Protector College Award because of its application that allows students to gain access to course information, materials as well as books utilizing their mobile application wherever they’re. Other universities for example Manchester Metropolitan College enable their lecturers to supply their students use of teaching material and support sources for example studying lists, online articles, video and audio clips etc utilizing their college mobile application wherever they’re.
All college mobile app’s provide slightly different core information, however the basics are usually a mix of timetables, campus maps, staff contact information, library search option and event notifications. Each helps a student to discover what they need to understand without getting to locate a PC/laptop or come onto campus, all helping to guarantee the student can engage when they would like to, where they would like to.
A mobile application also reveals extra options for student engagement with universities for example Manchester Metropolitan College enabling students to gain access to forums and community forums. Students can therefore continue discussions outdoors from the teaching room, without getting to be campus. Typically staff will also be active during these forumsOrdialogue boards, supplying advice and solutions to questions. Queens College mobile application NPulse, enables students to inquire about live questions, hold in-class discussions, record lectures as well as rate their classroom experience instantly. Getting this kind of online live atmosphere, including both staff and students, helps you to improve student engagement interior and exterior the classroom and enhance the student experience.
Some universities have added different things, by supplying information which is not always focussed towards their studies, but does still help the student experience. Oxford University’s, Mobile Oxford, provides info on travel and occasions inside the city, although others like the College of Westminster’s iWestminster enables students to locate one another using Gps navigation.
Something which was already discussed (but may be worth repeating) is when the details are presented. A mobile application, enables a college to select what information it displays in addition to tailor the look to match a student. Both of these aspects are extremely helpful in assisting to enhance engagement between your college and also the student, as only student focused details are provided.
This information has focused on current students, however the mobile application may also be helpful for attracting prospective students because it offers the chance to familiarise with student occasions and also the community just before being a student in the college. Additionally to prospective students, it is also focussed towards alumni to ensure that they’re informed of reports and occasions in addition to a supplying method to connect with one another. Among this really is Aberystwyth’s AberWorld.
Further Comments
You will find clearly possible benefits of getting a college mobile application, specially the positive impact it may dress in student engagement. Its most probably that among the first ideas is cost – whether this be money or time (or both!). However as highlighted through the Protector article, the price and time involved is not always as great since you may think and also the possible advantages are surely well worth the some time and investment spent.
