Educational technology is reinventing all aspects of learning, but this is especially true in the college setting. EdTech is improving higher education at a rapid pace around the country and allowing students to keep up with course material in a way that is most accessible to them.

1. Sharing course material

Students are more connected than ever, and course material is being shared even when not directly requested by course administrators. Technology provides students with an easy way to share notes from missed classes, record lectures, or organize study groups. Students are taking the initiative to stay connected, and this is helping them stay on top of their coursework.

Universities can help facilitate this behavior by encouraging students to become professional digital note-takers or to record classes for students who miss classes. Groups can communicate through social media and other forums to make project work easier. Instructors can encourage group collaboration via technology to help increase flexibility, scheduling ability, and cooperation.

2. Providing a microphone to students whose voices aren’t usually heard

Many students simply aren’t comfortable speaking in class.  Educational technology allows shy students to speak up in an open forum. Universities, both as part of coursework or social activities, should sponsor discussion boards, open emails, and online chats to help provide all students with the voices they deserve.

3. Engaging students through apps

Many universities are launching mobile apps to alert students to all the fun happenings on campus. These apps can help universities connect with their students and increase admissions by promoting social events, academic lectures, and other news and events around campus. On the flip side, students can also share feedback about what events and speakers they would like to see on campus, making college administrators more responsive to students’ needs.

4. Make the most of research

For larger institutions, research is a huge priority. Students can work together on one of the multiple digital platforms available–or university apps if these have been developed–to share research results and experiment plans. This collaboration can be significant when it comes to new advancements in academic research and helps universities stay on top of what students are working on.

5. Increase retention

Most changes in higher education are driven by an increased desire to serve increasingly diverse populations of students. Many universities are now using mobile apps to connect students to services on campus, such as financial aid, dining hall schedules, and academic support. This helps to increase retention and improve student safety, a must for all college campuses.