Elevating student voices at Apps for Good

We believe that education isn’t something that happens to student - it’s something that happens with them. Our work is rooted in empowering young people to take the lead on issues that matter most to them, which is why we involve young people in shaping our offer and broadening our reach. By activating student voices in a purposeful way, we can ensure that the experiences, ideas, and feedback from our learners are at the forefront of everything we do.

So, what does student voice mean for Apps for Good? It’s about giving students a platform to share their thoughts, listening to their feedback, and using their insights to guide the decisions we make. It’s about us considering how we bring their voices to life across different aspects of our work. Let’s explore some of the ways in which we’re already doing this.

From informal virtual feedback sessions to analysing their thoughtful survey responses, we use a variety of methods to make sure their voices are heard:

• Impact and feedback interviews: We regularly speak with students to learn about their experiences—what they loved, what challenged them, and where they think we can improve. These interviews are a great way to dive deep into student perspectives and adapt our approaches to suit them.
• Pre- and post- course surveys: Throughout our courses, students can provide feedback at key points, offering insight on their learning experiences and how they change as a result of an Apps for Good course.
• Bespoke in-person events: Speaking with students during events helps us gather and analyse qualitative data from students at critical moments in their journey, giving us a better understanding of their motivations, interests, and skill development.
• Ad hoc feedback: Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from spontaneous comments or feedback from students via their teachers. We encourage students to share their thoughts whenever they feel inspired!

Hearing from students is only the first step—we also act on their feedback in meaningful ways. Here’s some examples of how we’ve made use of student voices recently:

• Course content updates: When we hear from students through surveys or interviews, their feedback plays a crucial role in shaping our course materials. Whether it’s fine-tuning vocabulary or revamping an entire session, we’re always refining our content to make sure it’s engaging and accessible for all.
• Lunch and learn webinars: In April we were delighted to be joined by female students from Lea Manor and Putteridge High Schools who co-hosted a session for International Girls in ICT Day and put questions to the panel about their own early experiences with technology, and how they think we can encourage more girls and young women to pursue digital careers.
• Celebration Event: In October we held a volunteer/partner celebration event to launch our impact report. We invited two students, Shannon and Iesha to speak about their experiences of an Apps for Good course.
• Blogs and articles: The stories we tell often come directly from our students. When we write about the impact of Apps for Good, it’s their achievements and growth we highlight. Their voices bring our work to life and show the world the value of what we do.
• Website testimonials: Our website features testimonials from students who’ve participated in our courses. Their words and stories inspire others to get involved, offering a first-hand perspective of what it’s like to have experienced an Apps for Good course.
• Showcase: As part of our annual Showcase we provide students with a platform to voice the issues that are relevant to them and share their solutions with judges from industry. People’s Choice Award allows the wider community to vote for their favourite App idea.

This year we’re thinking creatively about how to spotlight student voices in new and exciting ways. Here are a few ideas on the horizon:

• Recruitment webinars: Imagine hearing directly from a student about their Apps for Good experience during a live webinar. Whether through video testimonials or students speaking at recruitment events, their voices could become a central feature of our outreach.
• More lunch and learn sessions: Students make fantastic co-hosts and have a lot of thought-provoking questions. We want them to join a selection of upcoming sessions to get the answers to some big questions!
• Social media takeovers: We’re considering giving our alumni the keys to safely manage our social media accounts for a day. A social media takeover would allow them to share their journey, and advice with a wider audience.
• Contributing to newsletters: We’re aiming to include more student voices within our upcoming newsletters as a way to not only elevate their voices but also help educators and partners understand the impact of our courses on students’ lives.

Student voice isn’t just a box we tick at Apps for Good—it’s a core part of how we grow, improve, and innovate. By listening to the young people we serve and bringing their voices to the forefront, we can celebrate their achievements and achieve greater impact on future learners who engage with our courses.

We invite more educators to join us in amplifying student voices, so please encourage your students to share their experiences, insights, and ideas through completing impact surveys, entering our Showcase, even writing a guest blog for our community. Their feedback not only helps shape the future of our courses but also empowers them to see the value of their contributions.