Using Technology to Enhance Communication with Students
Lake Washington Technical College
Introduction
• Luda Bagriy, LWTC Student and IPO Administrative Support
• Ed Sargent,Assistant Dean of Learning Resources
• Peggy Setoguchi, International Student Advisor
Agenda• Discuss Current Ways Offices
Communicate with Students/Campus
• Talk about Why LWTC (International Programs Office) chose to change methods
• Discuss five new ways LWTC International Programs Office has implemented and/or in final processes of implementing:
• E-publications/Newsletter• ‘My Space’ & ‘Facebook’
accounts• Podcasting • Google Apps
• Positive Outcomes
• Challenges and Resolutions
• Future Ideas
• General Audience Discussion
• Q/A
Why Use Technology?
• 1. Small number of staff
• 2. Up-to-date with student communication methods
• 3. Challenges with room arrangements
• 4. Student or intern pride and resume building experience
• 5. Collaborative work with staff/students across campus
• 6. Information ease
• 7. Advising Time On-line(Con’t Next Slide)
Why Use Technology? (Continued)
• 8. Time Limitation
• 9. Repeated questions from students
• 10. Increase international understanding/awareness around campus
• 11. Marketing Tools for Prospective Students
New Methods Used at LWTC
• E-publications and Newsletter
• ‘My Space’ & ‘Facebook’ Accounts
• Podcasting Workshops
• Google Apps
Positive Outcome Highlights
• 1. Feedback is ‘awesome’
• 2. Students read/respond to information published in newsletters/publications
• 3. Students understand the set ‘time frame’ now and expect to see that information
• 4. Student involvement – student stories, new site suggestions for creative things to implement, updates
• 5. Clear and easy format – no extra software needed or long/repeated e-mails that students don’t read
• 6. E-mails are specifically used for important matters dealing with that student (they understand when they see the e-mail it’s for something pertaining to them)
(#7-12 on Next Slide)
Positive Outcome Highlights (Continued)
7. Information has increased student awareness; less repeated questions and traffic flow for general needs
8. Campus awareness
9. Creative and students know we are trying to match their schedules/styles
10. Departments on campus have heard/read our publications/Podcasting and starting to implement in their own areas
11. Team interest; fresh; fun
12. Marketing for prospective students
Challenges and ‘Working Resolutions’
• 1. “My Space” = Student understanding of how to enroll
• 2. Get everyone to sign agreements prior to signing into ‘My Space’/ ‘Facebook’
• 3. ‘Down time’ on ‘My Space’ and learning HTML code to start
• = Simple handouts and orientation sessions about ‘My Space’
• = Have ‘My Space’ orientations in our general new student orientations and Welcome events to get everyone signed up
• = Getting help; ‘Facebook’ does not require HTML code
Works in Progress
• E-publications specifically with campus awareness and/or marketing focus
• Virtual Reality Site: Second Life
– www.secondlife.com
• Another newsletter publication: Letter Pop– www.letterpop.com
New Ideas??
• Your Turn – What Ideas Do YOU Have?
• Open Discussion Time
Questions/Answers
