Conference and events company iVent has launched OnlineEd, a new education division focused on harnessing virtual technology for conferences and events at UK universities.
The University of York, Middlesex University, and King’s College London have all signed deals with OnlineEd to create global online recruitment events to attract prospective students.
The division has been launched as Business Secretary Vince Cable plans to increase the number of overseas students at UK universities by 20 per cent over the next five years.
OnlineEd gives potential students and current offer holders anywhere in the world the opportunity to take part in live Q&A sessions with lecturers, course leaders and current students.
Meanwhile, participants can also take part in sample lectures and faculty head presentations delivered live in virtual lecture theatres, as well as review course and prospectus material, and apply for a place on a course.
“Following the success of the first set of online open day events in 2013, we have been retained by our client universities to create online recruitment campaigns for them way into 2014, with more universities and colleges across the country showing strong interest in its potential,” says Mike Prime, Director of OnlinEd. “Our interactive platform allows prospective students to ‘tour’ the campus, take a look at the halls of residence, talk to course leaders and tutors, as well as to hold Q&A sessions with currentundergraduates or post-graduates from their laptop or tablet anywhere in the world.”
Jennifer Brannan, Postgraduate Recruitment Officer at The University of York, said: “Through an online event we are able to offer a lot more activities and opportunities for students to learn about the university in a much more flexible way, as well as allowing us to learn about who they are and exactly what they are looking for.”
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