Transversal Launches "Ask Ed"

Powerful new self-service software gives educational institutions competitive edge in attracting prospective students

With competition for students increasing, universities and colleges are under greater pressure to do more to attract the next wave of prospective students. To meet this need, a solution from Transversal called Ask Ed enables future students to use natural language technology to get fast, accurate answers on university or college Web sites regarding topics which include admissions, fees, accommodation, clubs, international studying or even the local nightlife scene.

Ask Ed delivers major benefits for educational establishments and students alike. The Web-based self-service knowledgebase enables students to get common questions answered, using natural language, immediately and with a higher degree of accuracy than is possible through traditional keyword search. By helping students get the information quicker, it reduces the risk of frustration and encourages them to engage with the college’s Web site. They are thus more likely to proceed with an application.

Davin Yap, CEO at Transversal, comments: “The education sector is a hotbed of competition with colleges and universities pitted against each other for the next generation of students. Many have Web sites from a bygone age which are not fit for purpose with a young demographic that’s used to friendly, social user interfaces and for whom access to quick relevant information is vital. Ask Ed offers a cost-effective solution to enable colleges and universities to engage with prospective students and give them the information they need to make an informed decision.”

Crucial to the overall appeal of Ask Ed is the fact that the solution tracks what questions are being asked. This provides valuable insight as to what students are looking for in a place to study and enables the college to easily "tweak" the knowledgebase to provide relevant information. Further, it enables college and university principals to ensure that their establishments offer the opportunities students want.