Case Study

Student Workplace Integrated Learning Platform

Potchefstroom, South Africa

North-West University is not just about book knowledge but to equip students with practical experience in their field of study before they enter the world of work. A number of practical hours are required for certain academic programmes as a requirement to complete a qualification. Often these practical hours must be completed at different service providers at different year levels depending on the students' selected modules.

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WISL placements and approvals screen on a tablet

Client Requirements

One system for every placement

The Work Integrated and Service-learning Management System (WISL) is a cloud-based system designed to manage, automate and effectively place students at different Service Providers.

Students can place themselves at a Service Provider of their choice during the placement period by clicking on a link. Mentors can be assigned to assess students on work-integrated learning activities. The system tracks capacity and scheduling with the registered and available Service Provider entities (such as Hospitals and Schools), as well as hours of practical work accrued by the student.

Mentors and assessors assigned to evaluate the students can access the app via a mobile link where they can view their trip and allowance information as well as student and location data.

The system consolidates 8 API data streams from the existing University systems and automates the placement process and the management of student practicals.

With re-usable modules & components, the system core is designed for new modules and components to be added and shared, quickly and easily. The layered design and separation between databases, API, and user interface allow for upgrades to be executed with ease.

The generic core data model caters for multiple Faculties such as Education, Nursing, and Pharmacy students. The core offers a configurable WIL Office ID functionality to each new NWU school, to provide for unique operational needs.

Features

What WISL does

Automated Student Placement and Tracking

The WISL system automates the placement process, enabling students to self-select Service Providers during placement periods. The system also tracks students' practical hours, manages scheduling, and monitors capacity at Service Providers.

Mentor and Assessor Mobile Access

Mentors and assessors can access WISL via a mobile link to review trip information, allowances, and details of assigned students and locations, facilitating efficient student assessment and support.

Integration with University Data Systems

WISL integrates data from 8 API streams of existing University systems, consolidating information needed for student placement, assessment, and practical work tracking, ensuring streamlined data flow and minimal manual intervention.

Configurable and Expandable Design

Built with a layered architecture and reusable modules, WISL supports quick and easy addition of new modules and components, and its core data model can be configured to meet the specific needs of different faculties, such as Education, Nursing, and Pharmacy.

Design Elements