Students are never without their smartphones. On average, a student spends over three hours a day on their mobile devices. That time is often spent connecting with friends, family, and using a range of social networks. With that in mind, universities have a unique opportunity to take advantage of this growing trend. There’s plenty of space within those few hours a day for universities to build connections with students and drive university engagement. Unfortunately, not enough establishments are aware of just how effective mobile applications can be in improving a student’s level of engagement on not only their course, but within their whole campus. Leading education software innovators Collabco explain how University apps can help to increase classroom engagement for students.
Drives Engagement
Engagement is the key to keeping students invested in not only their course, but overall campus life. It prompts students to interact with university staff and peers across digital channels. The best student apps allow users to access their social media platforms, manage real time information about their grades, attendance, any last-minute course changes, as well as access to their emails. Overall, it should operate as a mobile campus, so students can always stay ahead of the game with their learning.
Provides a more personalised experience
Customisation equates to engagement. When students have direct access to what information they need, they are more likely to keep referring to the app on a regular basis. Apps offer students a tailored educational experience. With tens of thousands of students enrolled in over 100 universities across the country, each one will require app pages that are specific to their course or their extra university activities. Apps that enable you to target news feeds, create bookmarks, and allow you to create a personalised layout are aiding students by giving them the freedom to prioritise their content.
Aids prospective students
Mobile apps are meant to shorten the “distance” between the user and their location. They can be an invaluable tool to those looking to get a feel for what universities have to offer in the way of student life. This is an opportunity for universities to really showcase themselves! With an app, they can tailor their communication to spark prospective interests, as well as connect students with the latest news. On special occasions, like open days, they can also provide prospective students with maps of the campus, real- time activity updates, and keep them up to date with the school’s social media. Allowing potential pupils to access to access university information can increase their interest and improve the likelihood of their attendance.
Better Staff and Student Communication
Students and staff can also boost their engagement from beyond the classroom. Apps are contributing to an extension of virtual learning that is being embraced by universities. It extends their access of teaching materials beyond desktops and laptops. Shifting resources to a mobile friendly experience means student can learn and ask questions outside of classroom hours. It’s also great for lecturers. They can customise and highlight the necessary resources students need, while boosting retention and maintaining interest in their studies. The possibility for mobile app use within university education is truly endless. Not only does it have the capacity to make learning more interesting and interactive, it also gives staff and students alike to the freedom to access the classroom whenever they need it.