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Salisbury College adopts Mobile Technology
Added: (Thu Feb 03 2005)
Texting; initially the communication tool of choice used by millions of youths up and down the country is now being utilised by teachers and administrators to keep pace with this trend. Salisbury College has recently implemented a software solution called M:Science SMS server which now allows staff and students to communicate via text messaging.
The College relies on effective communication, and the recent deployment of text messages has significantly enhanced their current communication network. Ian Southwell, Learning manager for ILT in the curriculum explains, “We currently have 1500 students enrolled at the college, and communicating effectively and instantly with all of them at one time had been virtually impossible”.
Prior to implementing the software, the college was often subject to administration overload when trying to prepare events or track students’ movements when they were absent from college.
Since the M:Science SMS software was deployed, text messaging has been used to instantly invite students to events associated with the college. It has also been introduced into the marketing department and is used to communicate with students after exam results are sent out. Ian told us, “We can send messages to students to congratulate them, but also to invite them to contact us and discuss their results, or just ask for support if it is required”.
One of the most significant changes Salisbury College has seen since the M:Science SMS server was implemented is the procedure in reporting student absence. Previously the college would have to staff phone lines for absent calls. The workload in this area has been significantly reduced as students now send in a text message, via M:Science SMS server, if they are going to be absent and the college is informed instantly.
“The SMS server has also made communication with the college vastly easier for hearing impaired students”, Ian continued.
Dan Hobson, Managing Director for M:Science also commented, “Salisbury College understands the importance of communicating effectively with students. After researching the IT market they found their solution in M:Science. There is pressure on schools and colleges to continuously integrate modern technology into their infrastructure. SMS is an example of how this can be done with benefits to the college, and the whole learning experience.”
ENDS
About M:Science
M:Science are the leading suppliers of text messaging software to organisations. They have a client portfolio that includes Thames Valley University, McLaren International, Nasdaq, ING Direct, Europ Assistance, Halliburton, Siemens Energy, Royal Borough of Kingston, and Royal Skandia.
For further details on this press release, please contact Becky Cook on
+44 (0) 1202 241141 or rhc@m-science.com.