How Fife College is empowering neurodivergent students with Booost

Fife College is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports the diverse needs of its students, particularly neurodivergent learners. Across all five campuses, the college focuses on providing accessible content and prioritising student wellbeing. Their efforts to promote equality and mental health support have been recognised in the Thriving Learners study and by awards from the College Development Network (CDN) and the UK Workplace Wellbeing Awards.

Michele Kilbane, Assistive Technologist at Fife College, has been a key advocate for using tech to support students in managing both their academic and personal challenges. With a background in technology, inclusion and teaching, Michele is passionate about equipping students with the tools they need to succeed and has seen first-hand the positive impact that early interventions and tailored tools like Booost can have.

“Booost is an excellent solution for the students I support, particularly for students with both autism and mental health difficulties. It gives them the tools to manage and organise their day and the unique challenges and situations they may find themselves in. This could be anything from anxiety about entering an exam hall to knowing how to prepare for a presentation.”

To assess the potential demand for providing students with Booost, Michele conducted an in-depth review of five years of data on students' disabilities and mental health needs, uncovering a significant rise in students reporting psychological challenges, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Booost's intuitive prompts are really helpful, and users can access resources for advice and strategies as and when needed without being overwhelmed. The integrated emergency help details and Reach Out feature allow students to contact people in their support system quickly and easily, which is essential in times of stress.”

She works closely with students who face difficulties such as anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and managing the balance between self-care and academic responsibilities, with many relying on the support of friends and family for daily organisation. Booost bridges these gaps by providing tools that promote independence and ease stress.

“Booost is an ideal way for students to balance their workload and wellbeing and a gentle approach to encouraging ownership and responsibility, too.”

The college's proactive approach ensures that students have access to essential tools and feel better able to face challenges confidently. As Booost continues to support learners in managing their productivity and personal growth, Fife College sets a strong example of how technology can enhance student wellbeing and promote long-term success.