Case Study: The University of Dundee

The University of Dundee is dedicated to ensuring all students have the tools they need to succeed, with the Disability Services team actively introducing assistive technology (AT) to help improve learning experiences. Rhona Payne, the Assistive Technology and Alternative Formats Officer, is part of the committed team leading this initiative, offering tailored guidance to help students discover apps and software designed to support focus, organisation, and wellbeing. “It's about more than just recommending technology,” Rhona says. “It's about showing students how to integrate these tools into their daily routines.”

Among the resources they recommend are Booost and Luna, two products that have proven beneficial for students with various needs. The Disability Services team first encountered these tools at a DSA event and quickly saw their potential. “Both apps have a user-friendly design, meaning students can set up and use them with minimal training. This is crucial when time is tight, and the university experience can already feel overwhelming.”

The team also works with students who receive Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) funding and helps them set up and make sense of their software.

Booost, for example, is invaluable for students who struggle to stay organised with the added safety net of learner resources with skills, strategies, advice, and emergency contacts when needed. Many students come to Disability Services with a jumble of notes and reminders scattered across multiple platforms, making it difficult to coordinate their workload. Booost helps students consolidate their tasks into one place, streamlining the process of managing assignments and deadlines. “Students find the checklist function highly effective in breaking down information into manageable chunks, making complex tasks feel more achievable.”

Luna also plays an important role, particularly for students in demanding programs like nursing, where memorisation is crucial. Luna's ability to generate AI-powered flashcards has been particularly popular with students, enabling them to review essential information efficiently, even on the go. “It's great that students can now review their flashcards wherever they are with the Luna companion app – it further improves accessibility and is useful for students with busy schedules.”

Booost and Luna have become integral parts of the university's support, aligning with their commitment to ensuring all students have the resources they need to thrive – not just in education, but as they transition into the workplace.