Texting keeps students in touch

Students save time texting rather than coming onto campus

University lecturers are sending students revision tips, timetables, appointment times and coursework feedback using mobile phone texting.

Part of a £4.5m Wolverhampton University project, it is said to be cheaper than more traditional letters.

It also saves time for students living off-campus, who would otherwise have to travel in to check notice boards.

The text messages are being sent in bulk to first-year undergraduates and contain up to 160 characters.

'Quick and effective'

John Traxler, a fellow at the university who is leading the initiative, said: "This will probably be the first and biggest scheme of its kind in the country and will help us communicate quickly and efficiently with students.

"It saves them coming in and looking at the notice board so if they have far to travel in this is a real help.

"At the moment we are targeting first years in most of the schools at the university but this is rapidly expanding and hopefully we will be reaching all students within 18 months."

The university's centre for learning and teaching is funding the project, using part of a £4.5m award from the Higher Education Funding Council for England.