Blog
Apr 22, 2024
Melbourne University, renowned worldwide, is revolutionizing student orientation with technology. By introducing the Deckle app, they turned a typical campus tour into an adventure that attracted 1,500 students. This fresh approach uses interactive games to help students discover and connect with their campus in a fun, engaging way. Let’s discover the magic behind it!
Revolutionizing University Engagement with Deckle
Traditional university events are being transformed through gamification in today's fast-paced digital world. Deckle, a pioneering scavenger hunt app, redefines how campus activities are conducted by merging virtual tasks with real-world actions. Event organizers can create interactive quests that students complete on their mobile devices through the app. For instance, a librarian can enhance student familiarization with library services by setting tasks like locating the book return chute or answering trivia such as "How many books can you rent at once?" Participants engage with these tasks by scanning QR codes placed strategically throughout the location, making learning both fun and interactive.
Previously, orchestrating large-scale events to foster student interactions and campus exploration required substantial manual effort and coordination. Here's how Deckle has streamlined this process, making it more efficient and engaging:
- Reduced Staff Requirements: Larger events with around 400 participants that once required extensive staff can now be managed by fewer than 5 coordinators using Deckle.
- Enhanced Participant Interaction: Deckle facilitates automatic team formations, encouraging new students to connect and collaborate.
- Streamlined Event Instructions: All activity details are conveniently displayed on participants’ mobile screens, guiding them seamlessly through tasks.
- Real-Time Progress Monitoring: Event managers can easily track the event's progress and participant engagement through the app.
- Increased Flexibility: The app allows players to explore and complete tasks at their own pace, accommodating diverse learning and interaction styles.
Imagination is the only limitation
Deckle is a multifaceted platform crafted by a dedicated team. It is designed to transform traditional activities into exciting and interactive experiences. By allowing hosts to create a vast array of games, Deckle offers the flexibility to mix and match tasks such as finding specific locations, answering trivia, and performing actions captured through photos, videos, or even drawings. With millions of potential task combinations, each game can be uniquely tailored to fit the intended audience, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience every time. Here are three real-life examples from Melbourne Uni’s orientation week.
Deckle and Melbourne University Library Challenges
In a groundbreaking initiative, Deckle partnered with staff at Melbourne University to develop a series of library challenges. These challenges were designed to help students better understand and utilize the extensive facilities available across campus. Each of the six games corresponds to one of the major libraries at the university, allowing students to choose which library and challenge they want to tackle based on their interests.
To make participation even more appealing, prizes are awarded to students who successfully complete the challenges. This added incentive motivates students to engage fully with the tasks and explore the libraries in depth.
One standout example is the Baillieu Library challenge. Students can easily find details of this challenge on the Deckle website, where a pin code is provided for game entry. Participation requires physical presence in the library, integrating digital interaction with real-world exploration. The tasks are interactive and educational; for instance, students might be directed to find a printer on the lower floor. Once located, they scan a QR code positioned beside the printer to complete the task and move on to the next challenge.
This blend of physical and digital interaction not only enhances the learning experience but also encourages students to familiarize themselves with library resources they may use throughout their academic careers.
Read more about the innovative library challenges and how you can participate by visiting the Deckle website.
Engaging Students with Self-Guided Tours
Another example of how Deckle enhances student engagement is the self-guided tour at Melbourne University. Emily White, a staff member at DiscoverUniMelb, reached out to Deckle and collectively created the tour. This activity was designed to help new students explore the campus independently. The app guides them through a carefully curated route, prompting them to complete tasks at marked locations across the campus. These tasks help students discover key areas—historical landmarks, athletic facilities, or academic buildings.
The tour's design allows students to learn about the campus at their own pace and supports their journey of discovery throughout the semester. Promoted by the university to encourage participation, this flexible approach enables students to engage with the campus environment whenever they choose. The outcome of this innovative tour was remarkable: approximately 100 students participated, many of whom visited all 14 designated locations without the need for manual guidance or coordination.
Check out the actual game by entering the code 3866 in the Deckle app!
Conclusion: Revolutionizing Engagement via Deckle
Deckle's integration at Melbourne University showcases the future of student orientation and engagement. This innovative app transforms traditional campus tours into engaging adventures, proven by the impressive total participation of 1,500 students. Deckle reduces the need for extensive staff, fosters real-time interaction, and accommodates flexible learning styles, making it an essential tool for modern universities. By choosing Deckle, universities can improve the student experience, making every orientation informative and memorable.
To learn more about Deckle, please visit our website here
