Enhancing Student Services Teams with Technology

Enhancing Student Services Teams with Technology

If you work in post-16 education, you’ve probably heard of NAMSS.

The National Association for Managers of Student Services is a not-for-profit organisation providing support and professional development for managers and colleagues who work in student services roles in post-16 education and training.

Their recent annual conference showcased the important work they do to promote contemporary good practice and address the key topics affecting student service practitioners today.

Student support teams play a crucial role in higher education, supporting students’ academic success and personal development throughout their educational journey.

Tailored support

The Booost Education team was at the event and spoke to many delegates exploring new technology to adapt their approach and enhance their ability to support students.

By learning about the various types of assistive technology available, service teams can tailor their support strategies to meet individual students' needs, enabling them to provide informed guidance and recommendations to students who may benefit from such resources.

Amy Ward shares how AT knowledge helps in her role as a Disability Advisor at the University of Oxford.

‘’An important part of my role is talking to students with disabilities who have registered with the Disability Advisory Service at the University of Oxford. These conversations are crucial in helping me to understand what support each student requires to address their disability-related study difficulties. Together, we create a personalised plan and provisions tailored to their individual abilities and preferences. What this looks like varies greatly between students, and the support I recommend can include specialist study skills tutors and mentors, specialist equipment, and assistive technology.

Many students with a disability qualify for support like this via the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), but those who aren't eligible can often access support through their institution. With my background as a study needs assessor, I’m aware of the funding available through the institution and DSA, particularly specialist software and how it can help students achieve their academic goals.

I recently assessed a student with ADHD who struggled with revision and focus and found the uncertainty of exams to be anxiety-inducing. I showed them the AI-powered flashcard builder, Luna to help them prepare and practice previous papers. The element of spaced repetition meant they were exposed to exam-style questions on a regular basis, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.

Once I established what software would be most useful, I secured university funding. The student will now be able to use the software for the remainder of their course.

It’s really rewarding to see students overcome barriers to learning using tools like this.’’

Promoting accessibility and inclusivity in all areas is an integral part of the support system, ensuring that every student has equal access to services and resources. More and more institutions are integrating assistive technologies to accommodate diverse learners, giving students greater control over how they learn and teachers more time to focus on human support.

There are many ways EdTech and AI can support students on their journey through further education, and it's an exciting time. From notetaking software to apps that assist with time management and wellbeing, there is something to help all types of learners. Platforms that connect young people to specialist provision, such as mental health support and diagnostic assessments, can also be invaluable tools to student service teams.

Thriving community

Student teams are the heart of the educational ecosystem, understanding the diverse needs of their student population. If they have knowledge of and access to the latest assistive technology available, teams can incorporate them into their support practices, enhancing attainment and engagement and empowering every student to reach their full potential.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the opportunities to enrich the student experience and contribute to a thriving academic community.