In today’s technology age, it is possible to call a person by telephone and never reach the person but receive an immediate response if you text them. This is especially true for young people under the age of 30. Since students spend an insurmountable time texting their peers and others, the critical question to be asked is: Is it time to integrate texting in the college environment?

We know that students come to the classroom with different learning abilities. We know that contextual learning is a way to make learning relevant to each student’s learning abilities. We know that technology is here to stay in our information driven age. We also know that many students struggle to complete their academic studies in college due to poor attendance and completion of assignments.

At the same time, we see students of all ages, races and gender hogging their cell phones, sending and receiving messages on a continuous basis. We see that texting is having an impact on how students live, learn and grow. We also see that texting is, quite frankly, the new form of communication for college students.

During the 96th American Association of Community Colleges Convention, representatives from Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC) discussed how the college is using text messages to encourage and support students on their path to graduation. PSCC now allows its students to register for classes and advisement through texting or use the Signal Vine platform.

Signal Vine provides a two-way, text messaging platform that delivers high student engagement and statistically significant outcomes within the college attendance, persistence and attainment. According to representatives of PSCC, this platform is a good vehicle to engage students since less than five percent of students read their emails; and ninety percent of them text. However, you have to make sure your messages are personalized and relevant to students.

For additional information about this platform, visit: https://www.signalvine.com/

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 12 books: Jacob’s Dream! “A Lesson on Numbers and Birds,” “Jacob’s Dream! A Lesson on Alphabets and Continents,” “How to Eradicate Bullying,” “Education Questions to be Answered,” “Current Issues and Answers in Education,” “How to Eradicate Hazing,” “Professional Career Paths,” “Your Answers to Education Questions,” “How to revitalize the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.” “Completing the Dissertation: Tips, techniques and real-life experiences from Ph.D. graduates.” “Jacob’s Dream, A Story of Careers for Children” and Jacob’s Dream, A Story of Animals in Africa. He is publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper.  Holmes is a former teacher, school administrator and district superintendent. He can be reached at [email protected]