Elon University's student-led approach prompted the institution to upgrade the IT service and student experiences it offers.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit and college and university campuses had to close, most higher education IT departments across the United States were hard-pressed to find the best solution for delivering software to their students. Elon University, however, did not have to scramble. Prior to campus closures, the university had implemented AppsAnywhere in computer labs across its campus. Elon's journey toward innovation started small but grew quickly when the demands of its students grew. The Student Government Association caught wind of AppsAnywhere and pushed for an immediate change.
AppsAnywhere allows students to access their coursework and applications anytime, anywhere, on any device. Built from the ground up for higher education, AppsAnywhere helps colleges and universities and other academic institutions deliver a better IT service experience to every student; it allows all academic software to be available in a consistent way and transforms student outcomes both on and off campus.
Higher Education IT Challenges
Like many colleges and universities, Elon faced IT challenges long before the pandemic forced it to close its doors last spring. At the time, remote access was not possible. The institution was delivering its applications and software through traditional means such as imaging in designated labs. Some students were also using Citrix XenApp, but it was not scalable due to cost. This made it difficult to support any BYOD initiatives. Given these limitations, students were frustrated with when and where they could access software, which in turn had an effect on their student experience and a potential impact on outcomes. Pat Donohue is the assistant CIO and director of campus technology support at Elon University. When tasked with creating a more innovative student experience, he turned to the students and asked them what they needed to be successful. Not only did they request access to their software across campus, but they also asked for AppsAnywhere by name. After a few departments began using AppsAnywhere, the positive feedback spread like wildfire, and all students wanted full access on and off campus.
The student-centric approach toward innovation propelled Elon to be ranked first in the United States for academic experience.
"You need to be where your customers are, and our customers are our students. It is essential to keep an eye on the modern student so we can keep up with the latest trends in technology. When our students are happy, it results in their academic success," Donohue said.
Elon's strategic plan revolves around its students' success and the accessibility of its technology; AppsAnywhere fits perfectly into the institution's plan.
Student Response
Since the implementation of AppsAnywhere, Elon students have been able to access their coursework and university software with ease. Whether students are on campus, at home, or in their dorms, they no longer need to worry about how they are accessing their applications. Donohue explains: "Students just want their tech to work. They don't want to have to think about how they're getting their software—they just want it. AppsAnywhere allows us to give our students access to technology that works." The student body echoes Donahue's sentiments about AppsAnywhere. Chemistry major and criminal justice minor Hayley Clos (Elon class of 2022) describes AppsAnywhere as "a really cool and easy way to access classwork. I am taking classes in various departments, so having everything I need all in one place has made it convenient for me. I don't have to go to different computer labs anymore, which has made my life a lot easier."
Julia Redbord is a Marketing Executive at Software2.
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