Savanna Hoffman
The pandemic has propelled students to remain socially distant, and universities have had to adapt to ensure they remain in touch with their students. Campus communication platforms are now more important than ever, with technology providing and maintaining connections within the school community. Universities are utilising tools such as video walls, cloud-based collaboration software, and online clubs and activities to keep students engaged and foster a sense of community. With digital and remote learning becoming a core alternative for students, universities must find ways to create a memorable student experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of technology | 96% of students use a college app to stay in touch |
| 97% of students use the app at least once a week, while 53% use it every day | |
| 99% of students find the app easy to use | |
| 41% of Gen Z prefer to communicate on social media | |
| Universities use visual tools to tell stories about student success, serving as a recruitment tool | |
| Universities use cloud-based collaboration tools to keep in touch with remote employees | |
| Modern audio systems help remote students feel part of the in-class experience | |
| Online communities | Universities provide an online environment for students to learn about clubs and after-school activities |
| Online platforms are used to host academic and student organisation fairs | |
| Online portals are used to welcome new students with resources, announcements, and COVID-19 information | |
| In-person events | Some universities host "Coffee and Chats" events for prospective students to meet current students |
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What You'll Learn
Student expectations of instant communication
Instant communication is a critical aspect of the student experience, and universities must adapt to meet the expectations of their students. Gen Z students, in particular, have grown up in a world of instant two-way communication, and they bring these expectations with them into higher education. Universities need to recognise the value of instant communication in supporting their students' learning and overall experience.
Students today expect universities to provide clear and consistent platforms that enable instant communication with staff and other students. This includes the ability to send and receive notifications in real-time, such as timetabling changes, as well as providing remote wellbeing support. Mobile instant messaging (MIM) apps have become the most popular means for young people to communicate, and universities can leverage the features of these apps to enhance student engagement. For example, MIM apps can facilitate the creation of online communities based on shared interests, providing a sense of connection and support for students.
The use of MIM has been shown to increase student engagement in discussion activities, leading to higher rates of participation, task completion, and interaction. It also helps students build intimacy and improve interpersonal relationships, which can enhance their overall university experience. Additionally, MIM allows for the exchange of ideas and facilitates higher-level thinking through interactive idea-sharing. By encouraging students to design and implement MIM-supported learning activities, universities can further enhance student engagement and foster a sense of autonomy.
While email communication is still widely used and valued for its accessibility and approachability, it may not always meet the expectations of instant communication. Email lacks the immediacy of MIM apps and can fall short in promoting active participation and a sense of connection. However, email can still play a crucial role in promoting interactivity and a sense of community, especially in distance learning programs, where it serves as a vital medium for advising, course content clarification, and technical assistance.
In conclusion, universities need to recognise the importance of instant communication in meeting student expectations. By embracing MIM apps and providing clear communication platforms, universities can enhance student engagement, improve the student experience, and foster a sense of community.
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Apps for seamless communication and services
Apps have become an essential tool for universities to stay in touch with their students. With Gen Z's expectations of instant two-way communication, universities have had to adapt to ensure they can provide clear and consistent platforms that enable them to stay connected and support their students' learning.
One such platform is Rocket.Chat, which is used by over 700 schools and universities worldwide. It offers seamless campus communications while prioritising data privacy and compliance with regulations such as GDPR. Rocket.Chat simplifies interactions with university staff, allowing students to manage matters related to housing, finances, and other administrative processes efficiently. It also enables students to connect with peers from other universities and external companies, promoting a broader educational network.
Another popular app is WhatsApp, with its ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and end-to-end encryption. It enables seamless and secure communication between students, teachers, and parents. Teachers can create groups for discussions about progress, share subject documents and make announcements. It also supports audio and video calls and is ideal for group projects.
There are also apps designed specifically for the education sector, such as Engage, which is used by 96% of students to stay in touch with their colleges. It offers an intuitive interface that is easy to use, provides simple access to application portals, and enables staff to reach out to students individually or in groups in a fully safeguarded manner.
Other apps include Discord, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is ideal for remote learning and virtual study groups. It provides students with multimodal methods to engage with their courses, such as posting GIFs, sharing links, and using unique stickers. Slack is another app that enables teachers to organise their classes and escape email communication, offering synchronous and asynchronous communication channels for different purposes.
These apps provide universities with the tools to meet the expectations of instant communication from their students, fostering a dynamic digital learning environment and boosting student engagement.
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Remote learning and the need for connection
Remote learning has become a core alternative for students, and campus communication platforms are now more important than ever. The pandemic has propelled students to remain socially distant, and universities have had to adapt to ensure students still have a memorable experience.
The use of technology is essential to providing and maintaining connections within the school community. Online platforms have been vital in sharing information and experiences, with many universities moving academic and student organization fairs online. This ensures students can still access the same information and opportunities as they would have done pre-pandemic.
Universities have also had to adapt to support students who are learning remotely but in a hybrid setting. Modern audio systems, for example, can facilitate clear communication between instructors and students, no matter their location.
Additionally, universities are now using visual tools to tell stories about student success, from academic to athletic achievements. These stories can serve as recruitment tools for new students, but they also showcase the university's ability to support students and help them succeed.
Communication is critical to student success, and universities must implement strategies to drive student engagement. This could include providing an online resource directory for new students, with COVID-19 FAQs and links to channels for connecting with peers. University apps are also a great way to keep students connected, with 96% of students using their college app to stay in touch. These apps can be used for everything from scanning bus passes to sending queries to tutors and receiving feedback.
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Visual tools to share student success stories
Universities can employ a variety of visual tools to share student success stories and foster a sense of community and pride. Here are some strategies to consider:
Website and Social Media Features
Design a dedicated section on the university website for student success stories, organised with categories, keywords, and tags to make it easy for prospective students, families, and the community to browse through and find relatable and inspiring content. Add powerful imagery and engaging captions to the stories, highlighting the diverse experiences and accomplishments of students. Share these stories on the university's social media platforms, using eye-catching visuals, relevant hashtags, and engaging content to attract a wider audience. Encourage students, staff, alumni, and families to engage with the content by liking, sharing, and commenting, thereby creating a sense of community and involvement.
Newsletters and Email Campaigns
Feature student success stories in visually appealing email newsletters sent to parents, alumni, staff, and community members. Use striking visuals, captivating headlines, and provide a link to encourage readers to visit the website and learn more. Newsletters are a great way to maintain regular contact with the university community and keep them updated on student achievements and milestones.
School Events and Celebrations
Integrate student success stories into school events like awards ceremonies, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences. Celebrating student achievements during such events can be a powerful way to bring the community together and foster a sense of pride and inspiration.
Interactive and Multimedia Tools
With the advancement of technology, universities can now utilise interactive and multimedia tools to showcase student success stories. For example, the MyViewBoard platform offers a virtual whiteboard feature that allows both teachers and students to cast their screens and share content. This can be used to display student projects, presentations, or interviews, providing a dynamic way to share their stories and engage the audience.
University Apps
Developing a user-friendly university app can provide a seamless platform for students to stay connected, access information, and share their experiences. Apps can facilitate direct and instant communication between staff and students, making it easier to gather and share success stories and celebrate student achievements in real-time.
By utilising these visual tools and platforms, universities can effectively share student success stories, showcase the impact of their programs, and build a strong and engaged community.
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Online platforms for student activities and clubs
Online platforms have become an integral part of the student experience, with universities leveraging them to enhance student engagement, interaction, and overall well-being. These platforms cater to various student needs, from academics and career development to social activities and community service projects.
One popular type of online platform is dedicated to student activities and clubs, providing opportunities for students to connect with peers who share their interests and passions. These virtual clubs offer a range of benefits, including socialization, collaboration, and the exploration of new ideas and interests. For example, Connections Academy offers virtual clubs such as art club, chess club, gaming and technology club, and specialized clubs for students from elementary to high school levels. These clubs help students develop valuable skills, including leadership, teamwork, and communication, which can enrich their academic performance and prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
Many colleges and universities have student-run organizations that utilize online platforms to facilitate their activities. These organizations often focus on academics, education, social activities, hobbies, leadership development, cultural events, and community service. For instance, Dickinson College's gaming club and dance theater group meet weekly using tools like Discord and Zoom, allowing members to stay connected and engaged despite physical distances.
Online platforms also enable universities to host virtual events and activities that bring the campus community together. CampusGroups, for instance, is a student engagement platform that helps organize events, promote them to students, and streamline attendance tracking. Universities can use such platforms to host webinars, alumni Q&A sessions, virtual speaker events, and interactive activities like movie nights or map-based activities where students can share insights about their hometowns and backgrounds.
Additionally, online platforms can facilitate student access to honor societies and their various chapters. For instance, Golden Key, with its global chapters, offers members access to professional development webinars, online networking sessions, and virtual service projects. Other international societies, such as Delta Mu Delta (business), Psi Chi (psychology), and Sigma (nursing), provide students with opportunities to connect with peers in their specific fields of study.
In conclusion, online platforms for student activities and clubs play a crucial role in keeping universities connected with their students. They provide avenues for students to engage with their peers, explore interests, develop valuable skills, and access a wealth of resources and networking opportunities. These platforms contribute to a well-rounded student experience, fostering both academic and personal growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Universities use campus communication platforms, apps, emails, and social media to stay in touch with their students. These platforms are especially important for remote students to feel included in the in-class experience.
Universities provide online environments for students to connect and learn about clubs and after-school activities. They also provide online directories and resource hubs for students to connect with each other.
There is no set frequency for university-student communication. However, 97% of students use their university app at least once a week, and 53% use it every day.
