UWE Bristol embraces AI technology to enhance feedback analysis

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has modernised its approach to analysing student feedback by implementing Explorance MLY, an advanced AI-powered analytics tool.

This move aims to streamline the process of evaluating qualitative feedback from institutional programme evaluations, the National Student Survey (NSS), and the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES).

MLY represents a cutting-edge development in feedback analytics, utilising machine learning models specifically designed for higher education institutions. The tool's ability to process vast amounts of unstructured comments and extract actionable insights has been a key factor in UWE Bristol's decision to adopt this technology.

Heather Moyes, Academic Registrar at UWE Bristol, explained the motivation behind this change: "We want to be able to drill down into qualitative feedback given by students – and through MLY we are able to do that in a smarter, quicker way. Now, rather than spending lots of time finding out what students are telling us, MLY allows us to focus on what we do about it."

With over 39,900 students and 3,800 staff, UWE Bristol is one of the largest higher education providers in South-West England. The university's shift towards an institutional-level focus on course surveys and in-module feedback necessitated a more efficient approach to analysing student comments.

The implementation of MLY is expected to yield several benefits:

1. Rapid analysis of large volumes of qualitative feedback
2. Identification of patterns and insights that may have been overlooked in manual coding
3. Facilitation of data-driven decision-making at the executive level
4. Enhanced ability to respond quickly to student concerns and recommendations

Moyes highlighted the potential impact on student engagement: "In an ideal world, it will drive more positive co-creation with students on the things that matter to them. We hope to see, over time, sustained higher levels of satisfaction as students feel heard and that their feedback is taken on board, supporting a sense of connection and belonging."

John Atherton, VP Sales EMEA at Explorance, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "We are delighted to be working with UWE Bristol. MLY helps Higher Education Institutions to make data-informed decisions that enhance the student experience."