Supporting Students Through Texting, Photos, and Explain Everything

In his document, Academic Success & Educational Technology: Analysis of Student Needs and Expectations, Andy Benoit lists 7 themes that arose from the Educause Survey of Lethbridge College Students during 2013 - 2015. The first theme, Students want their instructors to be available or “connected” outside of the classroom to provide timely support and information, shows a desire by students to connect with their instructors outside of class time.

Traditionally at Lethbridge College faculty has been encouraged to provide office hours outside of class time. This still works well for many students. However, with the devices students, and faculty, have at their disposal, alternate forms of communication may be beneficial to many students. This study will research the effects of providing students with an instructor’s cell phone number to communicate through texts, images and customized videos. This research can inform faculty, perhaps, on alternative ways of engaging and supporting their learners.