University App is fast gaining popularity in the Apple Store
Launched on 26 March 2013, the University's first official app
available for download from the Apple Store, is fast gaining popularity having
been downloaded over 1,600 times, in over 40 countries worldwide. In just a few months the app,
which has been designed to support non-native speakers in the healthcare professions, has risen to
become the fourth most popular app out of over 8,500 apps in the Medical Category of the App Store.
Developed by the English Language Centre (ELC), the app utilises the benefits of smartphone
and tablet technologies to offer students increased interactivity and flexibility in their
learning. In the most recent update of the app, the development team has
localised the app
name, keywords and description in a number of different languages including Chinese, Italian,
German, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.
Commenting on this latest development, Professor Bernie Morley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning
& Teaching) said:
'This app is an excellent example of how we can use new technologies to deliver an exciting
and engaging learning experience for our students. This builds on the work we have been doing on
the digital environment and skills development in this area. It will help to inform this important
element of our new Learning & Teaching Strategy to ensure we continue to equip students with
the appropriate skills for their future employment.'
Tim Kaner, Director of Marketing and Communications, also commented saying:
'It is good to see the initial success of the University's first step into the dynamic world
of apps. The fast growing availability of mobile devices creates many new opportunities to engage
with our different target audiences, whether this is to provide information, to give a taste of
what the University can offer or to persuade them to choose Bath. The use of apps and other digital
technologies is already transforming how Universities market themselves and we need to learn how to
turn this to our own advantage.'
The app contains 12 exercises together with a study guide. It also features a statistics
panel enabling users to track the overall time spent studying, time spent studying by skill, how
much they have completed and their accuracy. Students can buy a further five packs containing 30
exercises each, available via in-app purchases.
You can
download the app from the Apple Store and explore its functionality. You are
welcome to
email Kevin Renfrew, UBELT Office, ext
3817 with ideas, feedback or for further information.
