Aussie students SMS for exam grades
The Monash University pilot sent exam results in the form of a text message via student’s mobile phones, displaying a more convenient and user-friendly way for students to check out their results.
"This system is about increased convenience for our students because their results come to them rather than having to actively seek them online," Monash's project manager of flexible learning and teaching in ITS Mr Ron Sawyer said.
According to manager of development and integration, Flexible Learning and Teaching Program, Nathan Bailey, with results being sent out in the holiday period, students could be anywhere in the world and still receive their marks.
“We’ve had very positive feedback from the students,” he said.
“I thought it was wonderful to have my results today and via my mobile phone as it is always with me. I don't have to wait to try to log into the Web nor try to get through on the telephone line. As I am at work this can be very hard and disruptive,” a student posted on the University’s Web site.
The university says it had no trouble finding 1,000 test bunnies out of 50,000 students at the university to participate in the pilot program.
Part of the reason for trialing the program was due to the high mobile phone penetration at the University.
Monash outsourced the job of sending 1,000 students their exam results, increasing efficiency amongst staff at the univeristy.
Students can also get their results from a Web site as well as waiting for their marks by post.