“The larger residential universities do not have the time, space or manpower to look at each student as an individual and give what we at Boston like to call ‘real and real time personalised attention’ he adds. “We believe that it makes the strongest difference to student’s success, to this end we have developed and make use of a specially designed pro-active monitoring and mentoring educational system, designed to support learning.”
Miguel goes on to describe the system, known as MaaS (Mentoring as a Service) that has increased not only student success rate but also the ability of the campus to monitor students individually and to effectively assist them. “Keeping students in the system, keeping them active and engaged, and helping them to persevere is our ultimate goal. Getting qualified graduates into their industries is the mark of Boston’s success” he continues. So how does Boston achieve this?
The Boston Higher Education department has devised an intricate system that operates in conjunction with the MaaS AI (artificial intelligence system). What does this mean for a student? It means that you have access to assistance with your coursework. It means you can get your queries answered by your assigned tutor, either in person, via email, telephonically or via skype. It means you only progress in your coursework as you master the work that has been completed. It means you can get topics explained and re-explained until you are satisfied. “The MaaS system does not only rely on students to approach their tutors when they need them” says Miguel. “It is a proactive system, which will actively monitor every learner”. Tutors will get an alert if an assignment document has not been opened by a certain time period before a deadline. The student will then receive an sms alerting him/her that there is an assignment due and they need to review it. If it remains unopened further action is taken by this unique system to motivate the student to get the work done. This system is very distinctive in its ability to predict student performance and in its ability to raise student success.
“Using a system that is consistently monitoring students on an individual basis means that a student is getting individual attention whether they want it or not!” says Miguel. “Not only does it keep students engaged, it keeps educators in touch as well. It’s a win-win for the whole campus”. Miguel explains that using the MaaS system enables the campus to build a culture of evidence. “Essentially we will have a reliable data file on each student”, he says. “We are then able to counsel the student appropriately as to how to continue with their studies, as well as to motivate them”. With built in communication and instant messaging tools to create a supportive mentoring environment, our student academic system actively increases success rates. In this current economic and educational environment, students and parents paying fees need to know that they will receive assistance, individual attention and support in their academic endeavours to ensure their success. “Boston values each and every student and therefore invested in MaaS to show their investment in their students!” concludes the student advisor.
Boston is an award-winning SA private higher education institution. Contact Boston on 011 551-2000, e-mail [email protected], visit www.boston.co.za, or Facebook.
