Transforming International Student Orientation: An Engaging Solution
5 Ways Gamification Revolutionised Student Safety and Engagement
Executive summary
The Queensland Department of Education (DoE), through its international arm Education Queensland International (EQI), faced significant challenges in delivering and verifying critical Pre-Arrival Orientation information to international students. EQI needed an engaging and verifiable method to ensure students received, read, and understood this information to enhance their safety and preparedness.
April9 partnered with EQI to develop "Your Passport to Queensland," a mobile application designed to address these challenges. Utilising gamification, the app transformed static orientation content into interactive experiences, making learning engaging for 12 to 18-year-old international students. The app, compatible with iOS and Android, featured customisable avatars, educational games, and offline functionality. It provided robust analytics to track engagement and understanding, ensuring students were well-prepared for their new environment.
This innovative solution significantly increased user engagement, improved safety preparedness, and reduced orientation costs, solidifying EQI's commitment to student welfare and enhancing its reputation as a leader in international education.
From 530,000 Students to Seamless Global Integration: Meet EQI
Client Background
The Queensland Department of Education (DoE) is a large and complex organisation providing services through the broad service delivery areas of early childhood education and care (ECEC), and school education. With approximately 1,230 state schools, the DoE delivers education to more than 530,000 students across Queensland. Additionally, Queensland is home to approximately 500 independent and Catholic schools.
Education Queensland International (EQI) is the international arm of the Queensland Department of Education. EQI develops, delivers, and promotes international student programs (ISP) in Queensland Government schools. With approximately 88 ISP-registered schools, EQI hosts more than 3,000 international students each year.
Overcoming Orientation Obstacles: Engaging Students in a Digital World
Challenges
Education Queensland International (EQI) faced several significant challenges related to the delivery and verification of Pre-Arrival Orientation information for international students. Despite providing this critical information electronically on the public-facing eqi.com.au website, EQI had no means to verify whether students had received, read, or understood the content. This gap posed a considerable risk, as it meant that essential safety and orientation information might not be effectively communicated to students before their arrival in Australia.
The inability to confirm engagement with the orientation materials was a significant concern for EQI. The safety and well-being of students are paramount, and ensuring that students fully understand the pre-arrival information is crucial in minimising critical incidents that require extensive time and resources to manage. Without verification, EQI lacked the necessary insights to monitor students' comprehension and preparedness, potentially leaving students vulnerable and ill-equipped to handle their new environment.
Furthermore, the existing format of providing orientation information was not engaging enough for primary and high school-aged students. EQI aimed to deliver this material in a manner that would actively engage students and encourage them to progress through the content. The current static, document-based approach failed to capture students' attention, limiting the effectiveness of the orientation process.
To address these challenges, EQI needed an innovative solution that would not only make the orientation material more engaging but also allow for tracking and analysing students' interactions with the content. This would provide valuable metrics and analytics to ensure that students understand the essential information, thereby enhancing their safety and reducing the likelihood of critical incidents.
Achieving Engagement: EQI’s Strategic Goals with April9
Objectives
Education Queensland International (EQI) sought to partner with April9 to design, build, test, and deploy an innovative mobile application aimed at enhancing the delivery and engagement of Pre-Arrival Orientation information for international students. By collaborating with April9, EQI aimed to achieve the following objectives:
Mobile Application Development
Create a versatile mobile application compatible with various mobile devices, including iOS and Android. This app would be accessible to 12 to 18-year-old international students who have received a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to study in an EQI-accredited Queensland Government school, whether for short-term or long-term International Student Programs (ISP).
Gamified Orientation Experience
Develop a mobile application that delivers Pre-Arrival Orientation information through an engaging gamification model. This approach is intended to capture the interest of primary and high school-aged students, ensuring they actively engage with and progress through the orientation materials.
Collaborative Content Development
Work closely with EQI to develop the gamified content, ensuring it is both educational and engaging. This collaboration aims to create an experience that not only delivers crucial pre-arrival information but also makes learning enjoyable for the students.
Your Passport to Queensland: The Ultimate Student Orientation App
The Solution
April9 developed a comprehensive mobile application named "Your Passport to Queensland" for Education Queensland International (EQI) to address EQI's challenges by delivering engaging Pre-Arrival Orientation (PO) information to international students through a gamification model. This innovative solution, designed specifically for 12 to 18-year-old international students preparing to study in Queensland, is a versatile mobile app compatible with both iOS and Android devices, developed using Google Flutter. The app aimed to provide a fun and engaging way for students to learn about life in Queensland, prepare for their journey, and understand essential safety tips. It incorporated a range of interactive elements such as games, videos, and activities, transforming static information into an immersive experience. Additionally, the app featured customizable avatar characters based on 12 Australian animals, allowing students to personalise their experience and stay engaged.
Mobile Game Development
The app included several gamified content modules and games built in Unity that students could unlock as they progressed through the orientation material. Games like "Between the Flags," "Full-y Packed," and "Perfect Path" were designed to reinforce learning through play, helping students retain critical safety and preparation information.
Google Flutter
The app was developed using Google Flutter, enabling a single source code for both iOS and Android platforms. This approach ensured consistency across devices and streamlined the development process.
Secure CMS Solution
The app incorporated a secure Content Management System (CMS) to manage and update content easily. This system allowed EQI to provide up-to-date information and new modules as needed.
Offline Functionality
Recognizing that students might not always have internet access, April9 ensured that the app worked offline. This feature guaranteed that students could access crucial information anytime, anywhere.
AWS for Secure Cloud Hosting
The app's backend was hosted on AWS, providing secure and scalable cloud infrastructure. AWS China deployment and integration with several Chinese Android app stores ensured accessibility for students from different regions.
Accessibility Guidelines
The app was developed with high attention to accessibility guidelines, ensuring that students with varying levels of English comprehension and different needs could use the app effectively.
Robust Backend for Analytics
April9 implemented a robust backend system to track app activity and usage. This allowed EQI to monitor student engagement, providing valuable insights and metrics to ensure that students received, read, and understood the orientation materials.
Innovative Approaches and Unique Aspects
By implementing this innovative solution, April9 successfully addressed EQI's objectives, ensuring that international students received, understood, and engaged with the Pre-Arrival Orientation information. The "Your Passport to Queensland" app not only enhanced the students' preparation and safety but also provided EQI with valuable insights to monitor and improve the orientation process continually.
Gamification
By transforming the orientation information into a gamified experience, April9 made the learning process engaging and enjoyable. The use of games and interactive activities helped students retain information better and stay motivated.
Personalisation
The app's customisable avatar feature allowed students to create and modify their own avatars using fun native animal characters and accessories. This personalization added a layer of engagement and connection to the app.
Comprehensive Content Delivery
The app covered various essential topics through its content modules, such as preparing to leave, fitting into Queensland, water safety, city life, and bush safety. Each module was designed to be informative and interactive, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all necessary information.
Secure and Scalable Infrastructure
The use of AWS for cloud hosting provided a secure and scalable solution, ensuring that the app could handle a large number of users and data securely. The integration with Chinese app stores further expanded the app's reach to international students from China.
Achieving Unprecedented Engagement and Safety: Key Results
Results
The "Your Passport to Queensland" mobile app, developed by April9 for Education Queensland International (EQI), has demonstrated significant quantitative and qualitative outcomes, delivering on its objectives and providing substantial benefits to international students.
Increased User Engagement
The app saw a high level of engagement from students, with over 90% of users completing all the modules and games. This high completion rate indicates the effectiveness of the gamified approach in keeping students engaged.
Enhanced Safety and Preparedness
The in-app analytics showed that students revisited key safety modules multiple times, reinforcing critical safety information. Metrics indicate a 75% increase in students' understanding of safety protocols, as measured by in-app quizzes and feedback.
Improved Efficiency
By automating the delivery of orientation information, EQI reduced the need for in-person briefings and paper-based materials, leading to a 30% reduction in orientation costs. The app's offline functionality ensured that all students, regardless of their internet access, could benefit from the information.
Student Testimonials
The positive feedback from students highlights the app's user-friendly design and engaging content. For instance, David, a student, said, "I really liked it and I think it is really helpful for new students coming into Queensland." Other students appreciated the app's accessibility and educational value, noting that it made learning about their new environment enjoyable and memorable.
Enhanced User Experience
The gamified content, including interactive videos and games, was particularly well-received. Students noted that the games made learning fun and effective, with one stating, "I really liked the games because every time you finish a section you have a bit of fun." The customization options, such as dressing up avatars, added to the app's appeal.
Cultural and Practical Preparedness
The app provided essential cultural insights and practical tips, which helped students acclimate to life in Queensland. The "Aussie Slang" and safety modules were particularly popular, with students expressing that these sections made them feel more confident and prepared. One student remarked, "I liked playing the games because it's a fun way to learn, and I watched the video where they are teaching us 'Aussie Slang,' which is really helpful."
Fulfilment of Regulatory Requirements
EQI successfully met its obligations under The National Code by providing verifiable proof that students received, read, and understood the pre-departure materials. The app's in-built analytics allowed EQI to track student progress and comprehension.
Safety Assurance
The app's focus on safety, including modules on water safety, bush safety, and dealing with homesickness, significantly improved students' preparedness. One student noted, "I think it was really important to learn about water safety because I didn't know that the ocean here is so strong."
Positive Impact on Reputation
The app's success has enhanced EQI's reputation as a provider that goes the extra mile to ensure student safety and well-being. Testimonials from students recommending the app to others underscore its value as a crucial tool for international students.
Student Quotes
"It's very easy to find your way around the app."
"It was made so everyone can understand everything."
"I think my favourite section was the 'Aussie Slang' section because it was something special about Australia."
"I'd definitely recommend it to other students because when you come to a new country you get a lot of information in the first few days and it's hard to remember everything, so when you log on to the app you can quickly read about it all again."
The "Your Passport to Queensland" app not only met but exceeded EQI's objectives by providing an engaging, informative, and user-friendly platform that significantly enhanced the orientation experience for international students. This project stands as a testament to the innovative solutions provided by April9 and the tangible benefits realised by EQI and its students.
Future-Proofing Student Orientation: Next Steps and Innovations
Future Outlook
April9 remains committed to supporting Education Queensland International (EQI) and ensuring the ongoing success of the "Your Passport to Queensland" app. Four years after its initial launch, April9 continues to provide regular updates to the app, keeping it in line with evolving security and compliance standards, as well as regulatory requirements from both the Australian and Chinese governments.
Enhanced Analytics and Engagement Tools
To further enhance the app's utility, future updates will include more sophisticated analytics and engagement tools. These enhancements will allow EQI to gain deeper insights into student behaviours and learning outcomes, enabling more personalised and effective support. The addition of new interactive features and gamified content will keep the app engaging and relevant for its users.
