Institute of Technology Carlow this morning launched its own student information app to assist the thousands of learners returning to its Carlow and Wexford campuses today for a new academic year.
IT Carlow Student Info 101 is available for both Apple and Android phones and features a huge variety of information on all aspects of college life at IT Carlow. Students can access information in areas such as: admissions; academic support; classroom locator; clubs and societies; examinations; maps; students supports; student finance; library information, fees and grants, transport and student union information, amongst others. Class timetables and downloadable student forms are also on the app, which was designed by Square Root Solutions, based in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.
The student app also includes pertinent information on COVID and IT Carlow’s return to campus protocols and is one of several non-contact supports put in place by the institute for students. This year’s IT Carlow student handbook can also be downloaded via a QR code.
“We have implemented a range of supports and resources for both students and staff for the new academic year – a year that will be different to anything that has gone before. We designed the IT Carlow app as part of our return to campus planning and the student app will be a great resource for students as they negotiate a new academic year in unprecedented times. We are continuing to work closely with the Students Union and our many clubs and societies to facilitate a substantial on-campus experience for students, particularly incoming first years, while observing public health guidelines”, commented Rosemary Flynn, Head of Learner Support and Student Services, IT Carlow.
IT Carlow has prepared a hybrid-learning model for the new academic that integrates digital, recorded and traditional face-to-face classes in a structured manner. The college has confirmed it will implement two-metre distancing for all lectures and enhanced protocols will be adapted for workshops and tutorials where students require access to workshops, specialist equipment, resources and labs. In most instances, students will attend classes in the same room to minimise traffic.
“Over the last few months, we spent a lot of time analysing the needs of both individual and groups of learners, as well as the teaching and learning needs of individual academic disciplines. As a result of these efforts, we believe students at IT Carlow will enjoy their on-campus experience this academic year”, said David Denieffe, Vice-President for Academic Affairs at IT Carlow.
IT Carlow will also roll out an enhanced peer-led transition programme for first-year students who are to return to campus next week (28th September). New and enhanced policies and procedures will be implemented for students in risk groups and the Institute’s 50+ clubs and societies will operate where possible, in line with public health guidelines, to facilitate a rounded, enriching on-campus experience.
Caption: Hannah Murphy and Christopher Parle are pictured at IT Carlow checking out the IT Carlow student information app that launched today as thousands of IT Carlow students returned to campus for the new academic year.
IT Carlow Student Info 101 is available on the App Store and Google Play