As an organisation which recognises the value of technology in delivering a superior student experience, the Polytechnic of Namibia has looked to technology specialist Adapt IT for the delivery of an Online Applications System to streamline its 2014 student academic applications.
One of the key features of the system is the use of prepaid vouchers which allows all prospective students to apply online, and not just those who have a credit card.
The Polytechnic of Namibia uses Adapt IT’s ITS Integrator product suite, software specifically designed to enable back-office and front-office operations and deliver self-service functions for students and staff alike in educational institutions.
According to Phlip Pretorius, product system owner: Student Management systems at Adapt IT, the Online Application System makes it easy for prospective students to apply at the Polytechnic.
“Using this web-accessed module, anyone interested in studying at the Polytechnic can submit their details and pay for their application. It substantially eases the process by leveraging the power of the internet to in effect bring the Polytechnic to the applicant, while also making use of a prepaid system which is familiar to all users of mobile phones.”
Pretorius adds that self-service environments are a key focus in the development path for ITS Integrator.
“Self-service benefits educational institutions, allowing them to streamline their business processes, while simultaneously providing a more convenient, easier-to-access service to their customers at a lower cost.”
Namibian Information and Communication Technology Minister, the Honourable Joel Kaapanda, commended the Polytechnic for its groundbreaking developments in integrating the use of technology in its academic and administrative processes.
“The adoption of cutting edge ICT solutions by the Polytechnic informs prospective students that this institution is at the cutting edge, attracting and moulding technology-savvy citizens. The Polytechnic of Namibia’s adoption of the latest innovative technologies shows that it is a responsive organisation with a futuristic leadership,” Kaapanda notes.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Tjama Tjivikua, says the organisation consistently strives to take advantage of technology and other innovations to deliver the best service to students.
“Information and communication technology facilitates effective communication and access to knowledge and is a critical pillar in advancing towards a knowledge-based economy,” he notes.
Laurent Evrard, director: Computer Services at the Polytechnic, says, “Mobility and independence from devices are the future of ICT’s. The old way of applying to the Polytechnic by completing a paper-based form will soon be phased out.
“I expect any smartphone, palm, tablet, laptop, desktop, in short almost any ICT device to be able to access ICT services from wherever at any time and from any place. Institutions that do not embrace this trend now may be remembered later for their obsolete thinking at the time.”
During the launch phase, the Polytechnic invited a group of Matric students to test the Online Applications System. One learner managed to complete her application in less than five minutes.
With over 20 000 applications expected for 2014 as the Polytechnic gears nearer towards university status, the new system will deliver obvious advantages for students and staff members alike.
Some 2 000 applications were received by the system within 30 days. “We’re hoping that 80% of all 2014 students will use the Online Applications System,” says Juanita Frans, manager: ITS Systems at the Polytechnic.
Prospective student Gabriel Wakalenda was one of the first to use the system, describing it as “Great. It is very fast, very easy to use and the document upload is a simple process.”
Adapt IT’s Pretorius further said that an innovative client like the Polytechnic makes for a rewarding experience.
“Those of us in the technology field know what software is capable of in terms of improving, enhancing and expediting key business processes. When we get to work with a client like this, who is constantly pushing the frontier of better service delivery to students, we are able to deliver solutions that achieve great results.
“Adapt IT has now developed software and a voucher payment system that will become a standard feature in our technology offerings for educational organisations.”
