The effectiveness of using online tools to help international students transition into university life: an Australian university case study

ABSTRACT

This case study assesses how an Australian University used an online tool (WeChat) to support commencing online Chinese articulation students transition in their studies in response to COVID-19 border restrictions. It investigates how effectively the engagement initiatives met the students’ needs and identify areas of improvement. The usage of an online tool allows staff and students to build a relationship and provided students with key information to manage their expectations. This case study demonstrates an opportunity for further research on the effect of online tools to help international students transition.

KEYWORDS:

• Online tool
• WeChat
• articulation
• transition
• Lizzio
• Chinese

Acknowledgments

I am particularly grateful to the reviewers, Dr Arnaldo Barone and Dr Gwilym Croucher for their helpful feedback which greatly improved this paper. I also acknowledge my friends and family who provided me with valuable comments and suggestions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).