Keele University wins global award for student induction experience
Keele’s online induction for students has won a 2017 Blackboard Catalyst Award for optimising student experience.
The team behind the Pre-arrival Online Induction Programme launched it last year to help students learn the University’s IT systems before arriving at Keele.
Blackboard is an education technology company which Keele University uses for its teaching, learning and student engagement. The Catalyst Award recognises innovation and excellence in the Blackboard global community of practice.
E-Learning Fellow, Tim Smale, said: “The online induction allows students to learn Keele’s IT system before they arrive. It removes the stresses for new students coming to University and to a new environment with a lot of new things to learn. Students previously had to learn how to navigate and use the systems as soon as they arrived but now they can learn it in their own time.
“The programme has led to a significant fall in face to face enquiries and calls from new students. Our data shows a clear correlation that it has had a positive impact.”
The University is one of three in the UK to win an award thanks to the innovative work led by Sandra, Tim and Dr Jonathan Knight, IT System Administrator.
Sandra Gillham, Keele’s IT Service Manager, said: “The programme is structured so students can use it in stages and can pick and choose what they want to learn about. It also includes videos to demonstrate how to use the systems which has worked well as young people are now used to watching videos to digest information.
“For 2017/18 we are introducing a 12 month approach so the system will become an information hub throughout the year for students. Our Student Support Services and the Library are also going to include additional information to develop the programme further.”
Dr Jonathan Knight, IT Systems Administrator, has also been appointed as a Blackboard MVP (Most Valued Player). Blackboard Learn is the system that runs the Keele Learning Environment (KLE) since 2011. Jonathan Knight is one of 46 MVPs worldwide from Blackboard institutions with only 2 MVPs in the UK. Blackboard MVPs are awarded to people who are considered knowledgeable, accessible, engaged and collaborative within the Blackboard community.
Bill Ballhaus, Chairman, CEO and President of Blackboard, said: “Blackboard is proud to recognise this year’s Catalyst Award winners for their commitment to leveraging technology to improve the education experience.
“I am also proud to welcome our newest MVPs and recognize their commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices around educational technology with the larger education community. Blackboard MVPs are truly helping improve the learning experience and addressing important challenges in education.”