The potential of Miniapps in streamlining education
I used to run an education business that had a student base of over 60 students. One of the biggest problems with the business was the amount of time invested in having to handle many tasks day after day. These tasks include telling the students when their classes are, daily updates on their tasks as well as when their fees are due. Often, I have to do so by contacting my students or their parents over multiple platforms such as Whatsapp and Facebook.
These tasks may seem simple, but consider this, I have to spend at least 2 hours daily preparing these texts, sending them and personalizing the messages as each student is different. Furthermore, reminding them when to pay can be and arduous and time-consuming task as well.
Miniapps as a solution
Image taken from https://goo.gl/images/1ouoUC
One way to take some of the load off the task is the use of Chatbots. Miniapps is basically that providing chatbots where they can be programmed to do whatever you want them to do. One method that I could see this happening is the use of Chatbots to inform when the fees are due or even to inform the students if there is a change of schedule. This automates a large part of my business and it enables me to focus more on delivering quality education instead.
Furthermore, it allows me to divert resources into creating better education experiences. Its not all about the product but how it is delivered as well, as such, I believe that Miniapps can be used to help the students stay connected and have their queries on scheduling, fees and important dates instantly answered.
Why stop at business only?
The potential of Miniapps can be seen not only in small businesses like mine but large education institutions. In fact, I believe it can be used as a learning companion to students.
Need to know your university schedule, Miniapps has got you covered. Need to know who you are paired with for a project, that can be arranged. But lets take it a step further, how about using Miniapps as a dedicated tutor? The role of a tutor is important to help with the understanding of certain concepts. However, a large part of it can be automated using chatbots such as miniapps.
Image taken from https://goo.gl/images/4d42co
Imagine, you have a class of 2000 students. Each with their own problems, challenges and needs. Miniapps can be used to deliver a needs analysis, a survey or even a quiz. From there, the university can see where exactly their needs are and tailor the next lesson to address those needs. Only if those needs cannot be met, that's when the tutor comes into play. However, the benefit is, the need for more tutors can be minimized, freeing up the tutors to address other issues and streamlining the work.
As such, the potential for Miniapps is indeed great, not just for businesses but education as well.
miniapps2017
Interesting concept. I can imaging an additional scenario for the use of Miniapps. With the rise of learning platforms such as Udacity, Usemy, Thinkific, et. al., there is a growing trend of people seeking education from non traditional sources, i.e., universities, community colleges, etc.
Three main drivers behind this trend are reduced costs, availability, and convenience. The rise of online based learning platforms is an attempt to address the needs of providing students with quality education at greatly reduced costs. Students need not concern themselves with room and board, costly big administrative staffs or other costs associated with brick and mortar institutions. Virtually anyone with an decent internet connection will be able to access course outlines, lectures, quizzes and exams and test scores. Finally, many online course are modular in design offer students the flexibility to complete course work at times that better match their individual schedules.
Since Miniapps would sit atop blockchain technology, educators as well as students will receive the associative benefits of a decentralized learning platform.
Thanks for your post.
Thank you so much, yeah am looking forward to it.. It's the next best thing aside from hiring a full time teaching assistant.
Thank you for this information
Mini-APP surely show some interesting features, but it’s still way too early to tell if they’ll be a thing. As of now, they seem a bit too similar to service accounts, and appear as a risky bet for brands and developers.
But one thing is sure: if you are among the very first mini-APP’s, you will sure get a lot of traction and press. Just like moment ads, where first advertisers made a lot of buzz, but which turned out to be a disappointment. Mini-APP’s might meet a similar fate.
There is a small chance this new approach might further establish WeChat as the leading eco-system for brands in China. But there is a bigger chance that mini-APP’s will join the graveyard of failed tech innovations.
That's very true but like every education business I suppose it depends on who can offer the most impressive package for their services. Wechat has been around for awhile in my country, one of the reasons why most institutions are not keen on using them is because it's too integrated with the social aspect of chatting, so students can go off task.
But yeah, as you mentioned earlier, we shall see if it joins the graveyard of other apps or thrive.
I love your analysis on this, upvoted and followed =)
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