Clare Davies – DENTL Naomi Dunstan – JOMEC Barbara Evans - BIOSI

Introduction  Background Pilot study: Pilot study:  Access to key information Timely and immediate access Timely and immediate access  Widening access Contacting students via their preferred medium Contacting students via their preferred medium Direct contact with students out of reach of a networked computer Direct contact with students out of reach of a networked computer  Opt-in or Opt-out

Txttools:  Uses Mainly administration & communication Mainly administration & communication Cancelled lecturesCancelled lectures Appointment remindersAppointment reminders Exam results released on BlackboardExam results released on Blackboard Lost items (purse, memory sticks)Lost items (purse, memory sticks) Groups and individualsGroups and individuals Student interaction - orientation and induction Student interaction - orientation and induction  Demo

Student Feedback  “It gives a real up-to-date feel to your timetable and it’s so much easier and quicker than constantly logging into or Blackboard”  “Quick and efficient way of communicating. I will always read a text message on the day it is sent, I may not read an until the next day”  “I don’t have the internet at home so it is easier for me to get information via text”  “

Staff Feedback “Loved it. Students respond immediately to text messages, by phoning or calling in” “The surest way of being able to contact a student” “I was able to cancel a lecture 10 mins before it was due to start when I was struck in traffic”

Staff Feedback cont. Last minute venue for year 3 vivas:   “I was able to txt the 9 students concerned on the morning of the exam to ensure that they went to the correct venue” Large classes:   “This is an absolute godsend to the management (and NSS results!) of large classes (300+) of medical students where the timetable changes frequently and at short notice”

SMS – other uses  Marketing  Text reminders for VLE activities  Reminders to prepare for tasks  Present questions for seminars  Poll  Interactive activity

Conclusion No one size fits all approach

 Currently have 15 accounts in CU  Anyone wanting to start texting their students should contact Sarah Williamson  Costs are: £200+VAT for number £200+VAT for number 4p+VAT per text 4p+VAT per text  Current site licence runs to end July 2010  Looking at options for future funding of this

Talk Text Questions?