A free one day conference at the University of Bath is designed to share ideas and experiences on the increasing use of SMS text messaging in education.
March 2010
Almost every student has a mobile phone capable of sending and receiving SMS text messages and increasingly the mobile phone has become central to their digital world. It is undeniably socially and digitally inclusive and is also recognised as a cost saving device when compared to most other means of communication. Desktop SMS is now being used by the majority of Universities, Colleges and many Schools in the UK. This is the sixth txttools customer conference and is an opportunity to find out how it is going, where it is going and why educators should take a serious look at this opportunity to improve the student experience.
Text messaging specialist txttools Ltd are hosting the conference in collaboration with Andy Ramsden, head of e-learning at the University of Bath. txttools are responsible for developing edutxt the most popular desktop messaging application in education. Use of edutxt in schools, colleges and universities has rocketed since launching the platform over 8 years ago meaning that in addition to the hundreds of education customers txttools also now supplies many other public sector organizations such as Councils, Hospitals, Clinics, Career Centres, Police Forces and companies in the Private Sector. It is a powerful desktop platform that allows the user to simply send, receive and track delivery of text messages to a mobile phone anywhere in the world. It is possible to send a text to one person or many instantly, or schedule for future delivery. The application also includes RSS-2-SMS to publish content from your website or blog, plug-ins for Blackboard®, Webct® and Moodle enabling complete integration of edutxt from within the most popular Virtual Learning Environments.
The focus of the conference and its speakers is on the desktop SMS text messaging user. The speakers will deliver case studies of innovative uses of mobile messaging in the key themes of Teaching and Learning, Student Support and Marketing & Student Recruitment.
The Keynote speaker is Steve Wheeler, Senior Lecturer in Education and ICT at the University of Plymouth, Co-editor of Interactive Learning Environments, and Chair of IFIP Working Group on Distance Education.
Delegates will hear about integrating txt messaging in as part of the student’s learning experience and innovative use of podcasting for individual learning for vocational students. There is a choice of workshops including an award winning Marketing Campaign, How to integrate new media into your website; the challenge of getting started in large universities and networking experiences; designing SMS learning activities; challenges and solutions in supporting students from both colleges and universities. Speakers include Mick Mullane, from Yorkshire Coast College, Geraldine James and Andy Ramsden from the University of Bath, Chris Rice from Milton Keynes College, Andy Clegg from Hopwood Hall College, Sarah Williamson from Cardiff University, Brian Hipkin from University of East London and Robin Coe from Bournemouth and Poole College. There will be both Moodle and Blackboard Workshops and a chance to share your experiences and ideas.
Stephen McCann managing Director of txttools, says “This free one day event is designed to give an insight from real users into how other educational establishments are utilizing this simple technology to dramatically improve the way they communicate with their students and parents.” He continues “You can learn from people who have been using this technology every day for years. Look at practical useful examples and importantly see what developments are just around the corner. Don’t take my word for it come and listen to the people who are hands-on using this technology every day”
The conference is not just for people who are using text messaging, it is also designed for people who are thinking about it: Principals, Heads, Department heads, Bursars, Student Service Managers, Marketing Managers, Quality Managers, IT managers, Tutors, Administration staff, in fact anyone who wants to improve their communication with staff, students and parents.
The conference is to be held at the University of Bath on the 19th May 2010. Places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. It is free and interest is already high so interested parties are advised to book early by booking online here. You can also keep updated about the event and the agenda by checking the website and registering to receive our newsletter at www.txttools.co.uk.
ENDS
About txttools
“mobile technology helping people to manage their lives”
txttools Ltd was established in January 2001 and is the result of over 14 years of innovation within the technology market.
Edutxt® – is used extensively in schools, colleges and universities
txttools for health – has been developed specifically for use in hospitals, clinics and surgeries
txttools is used by companies that create services for business-to-consumer clients and with companies who provide services and content directly to their consumers. These companies encompass a variety of business markets including corporate, publishing, law, web development, retail, health. In fact any group that has a need to communicate with people, be they customers, subscribers, members or staff.
Press contact: Stephen McCann, Managing Director t: +44(0)113 234 2111
m: +44 (0)7866 438056 e: smccann@txttools.co.uk w: www.edutxt.co.uk
