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