University of Pretoria uses SMS for distance learning

Link: My Broadband :: 3G & Cellular : SMS gets message across

At first, SMSes were sent out to advise students that their course work had been posted and to provide them with reference numbers so the university could pursue cases of nondelivery but, before long, the unit was SMSing students to remind them to submit assignments and register for exams.

‘We could clearly see the impact,” says Hendrikz. ‘If we sent out SMSes reminding students to register for a contact session, within 10 minutes the faxes would start buzzing.” Over time, a comprehensive SMS support system was developed and integrated into the unit’s student communication strategy.

This year, the unit has sent out more than 230000 SMSes to over 13000 students.

Excellent. It’s a great way to maintain direct, personal communication with students, particularly those who’re hundreds of miles away.