The Evolving Communication Challenges in Higher Education 📣

Recently, we have seen the introduction of many digital tools within the education sector. Some can be used to solve the main communication challenges higher education institutions are facing. 

Embracing new technologies is necessary as institutions must roll with the times and meet students' expectations head-on.

Technology enhances our everyday lives. Smartphone platforms have improved everything from shopping and socialising to travel and learning new languages. 

This reliance on technology in our daily lives has changed students' expectations as they now desire to engage with their institutions the same way they do with every other company they use, in a seamless, easy-to-navigate experience.

Students want institutions to satisfy their needs as they enjoy a personalised student experience without getting lost in the multitude of institutional tools available to them.

As a result, the growth of tech as an everyday student tool has made the digital systems within institutions more complex. Therefore it is a top priority to implement an effective communication strategy. 

But how do you build a strong bond with your students? How do you develop a sense of belonging, whether on or off campus? Keep reading. 

Communicate through mobile 📱

Smartphones are prevalent in our daily lives. In the UK alone, the figures around smartphone use are impressive: 

• 96% of 16-24-year-olds own a smartphone; 
• 3.7 hours a day on average spent on them; 
• 78% of users consider their mobile devices the primary communication source.

These figures show the need to use mobile applications as a means of real-time communication with students:  

• They allow students to live a campus experience in line with their expectations;
• The ability to utilise push notifications to communicate in a way students are used to and request;
• On the administration side, it is a powerful tool for centralising and promoting digital services. 

Implementing a mobile communication strategy, provided it is relevant, is therefore essential. 

What communication strategy to put in place? 🎯

You must first think about the communication objectives for your mobile application. Above all, think about covering things like: 

• Centralising your community both on and off campus;
• Increase the accessibility of information;
• Promote campus life and available activities;
• Measure the commitment of your students;
• Create links with your students and promote their integration.

Then set your targets. Parents, teachers, students, newcomers. If you don't segment your audiences, you risk spamming them; they will be likely to deactivate their notifications. Send the correct information to the right people! 

Then you have to think about the messages you want to convey - accuracy of information, tones, and visuals. Remember to adapt your speech. 

Apply a personalised approach. Your students are hyper-connected, and you must capture their attention, so they pay attention to the information you want. Make tailor-made content:

• Write your own messages.
• Go to the essentials.
• Use appropriate hooks to ensure your messages are read. 

Writing tips 💡

• Communicate through multiple communication channels: mobile app notifications, social networks, emails, etc. Otherwise, you risk reaching only some of your community.;
• Send your students helpful information and updates such as support sessions and campus info; 
• Plan your content using a calendar. Look at the year's highlights and educate and inform students of upcoming times and dates they need to know about. 

So, ready to implement an effective communication strategy to create a link with your students? Please speak with our teams!