Optimal student engagement with students app
Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, many digital resources were being utilised to share information and keep people engaged. This was not limited to only education, but also other industries. According to experts, digital resources have grown to become increasingly important. Hylke Sprangers, CIO of the year in 2018, says:
“Because of the coronavirus, the digital transformation has accelerated even more. The physical distance is growing, but technology brings us closer together.”
While technology does indeed have the capacity to bring us closer together, it is crucial that you select the right tools for the job. Traditional communication channels in education, such as email, the virtual learning environment or intranet, are not as effective as they used to be. When the new year gets underway, these channels and the information they provide will still be important. While working on their studies, students mostly use a laptop or desktop and these channels are best accessible on those devices. Course materials, for instance, are very useful for students to access via their computer during their studies.
What do students want?
When it comes to student communications, other channels and resources are needed. Students, just like the rest of us, value ease of use. When students want to see their timetable, results or important announcements, having to search themselves on those platforms can be very time consuming. Furthermore, the previously mentioned channels are not well optimised for students’ most used device. The smartphone.
In the Student Communication Survey conducted by StuComm, 69% of the students said they wish to receive all information related to their studies, via their smartphone. When asked what their preferred channel was, 77% of the students said they prefer a student app or campus app. Interestingly, in the comments, multiple students mentioned they do not care about the channel, as long as everything is easily accessible on their smartphones.
A student app
Most institutions choose to utilise a student app or campus app, because the possibilities are endless. Students have easy access to practical information and can be kept up to date with push notifications. Students also have immediate access to their timetable, study results and contacts they can reach out to at the institution. This is just the tip of the iceberg! With all of these use cases, we can ensure that you students are kept informed and engaged, in a way that is convenient for them: by using their smartphone.
Do you want to know how you can keep your students engaged, even when they are studying from a distance? Download our free Student Engagement E-Book and find out!
