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SMS Announcements in the Blackboard Learning Environment (SABLE)

SMS Announcements in the Blackboard Learning Environment (SABLE). Scott Hennessy. Please Switch Your Phone ON. Text a message with the keywords s hennessy to: 01133 201 210. About the SABLE Project. To trial an SMS building block within the Blackboard VLE Aims

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SMS Announcements in the Blackboard Learning Environment (SABLE)

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  1. SMS Announcements in the Blackboard Learning Environment (SABLE) Scott Hennessy

  2. Please Switch Your Phone ON • Text a message with the keywords s hennessyto: • 01133 201 210

  3. About the SABLE Project • To trial an SMS building block within the Blackboard VLE • Aims • To address the priority T7 of the Strategy Map (Deliver excellent and inspirational learning and teaching): • Support face to face teaching by communicating supplementary and timely information • Build on previous experience of SMS in Learning and Teaching • Identify the diversity of applications that SMS can be used for in the support of learning & teaching and students.

  4. What are SMS Announcements • Text messages sent individually or to a group using a software application instead of a phone. • Similar to VLE / Portal announcements, or email • Messaging application used by staff only • Students can text in using a keyword

  5. Two ways of SMS messaging Blackboardtxt Building Block Txttools Standalone Service

  6. How it Works Blackboard TxtTools Service Student Information Systems

  7. Importing Mobile Numbers • In Medicine students asked to opt in by keyword • Numbers collected in Txttools inbox and exported to a spreadsheet • In Nuffield and Healthcare numbers were imported from Banner and students given the option to opt out (none did) • VLE team uploaded the numbers into Blackboard • The ideal approach would be to ask students to update their numbers in the Portal and export from Banner

  8. Case Studies • Faculty wide trial: • International Health BSc Students (Nuffield Centre) • MBChB Year 1 & 2 medical students (Medicine) • Pharmacy prescribing module (Healthcare)

  9. Uses of SMS

  10. Other Intended Uses of SMS • To support students on placement • To support discussion in tutorials • To notify students on occupational health appointments

  11. Student’s Views on SMS “As someone who travels from home everyday I can't access my emails any later than about 7:30 so if there are any cancellations or anything its handy via text.” “Good way to get last minute info - avoids the frustration of turning up somewhere and being told there was an email sent when you had no way of checking”

  12. Email the Preferred Channel “Emails are best for important and big amounts of information, they are less likely to get lost than text messages. Quick reminders or urgent things are good with texts.” “Emails are better overall, but text messages have a definite role when the information needs to be given at short notice (eg room change/cancelled lecture).” “For notices that giveinformation at short notice txt message is best. For info that has a longer time to respond email is much better. A combination is the best. Putting information in the portal is not very helpful.”

  13. Students Use of Mobile Email

  14. Email vs SMS • I tend to consider text messages as more urgent than emails and check them more regularly. However this impact might be lost if routine messages were sent this way. Therefore I think it would be most effective if routine communications were sent using emails, and text messaging reserved for times when students need to be contacted urgently.

  15. Staff Views • Very useful for certain times & situations (assignments, assessment, Timetable cancellations) • Usage limited to certain times in the academic year • Need for a process to deal with timetable changes • Additional Requirements • More refined group management beyond modules • Support for organisations as well as modules • Need to share account • Way of seeing which students have opted in • Alternative email option

  16. SMS/VLE Integration Elsewhere

  17. Summary • Tool needs further development before it can be implemented fully within the VLE • SMS has a specific use for time sensitive information, such as lectures, appointments and assessment deadlines

  18. Discussion • Would this be of use to your school/department & how might you use it? • Would an SMS service be of use as a campus wide system and, if so, how should it be funded?

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