DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF UUM BUDDY: A CENTRALISED DIGITAL COMMUNICATION PLATFORM FOR ENHANCING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/JISTM.1144043Keywords:
Campus Communication, Centralised Digital Platform, Higher Education, Multimedia Application, Student NetworkingAbstract
Fragmented digital communication within higher education institutions often results in inefficient information dissemination and limited interaction among campus communities. To address this challenge, this study develops and evaluates UUM BUDDY, a centralised mobile and web-based application designed to integrate academic, social, and institutional communication for the Universiti Utara Malaysia community. The study aims to design, develop, and evaluate a unified digital platform that supports student networking, mentorship, and official university announcements within a single ecosystem. An Agile development methodology was adopted to guide the system development process. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, usability testing, and expert evaluations involving university students and multimedia specialists. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods, while qualitative feedback was used to refine the application's interface and functionality. The preliminary needs analysis revealed that 26.7% of respondents perceived a centralised communication platform as highly beneficial for enhancing student interactions. Formative evaluation findings indicated positive perceptions of the application's usability, functionality, and effectiveness as an integrated campus hub, whereas summative evaluation indicated improved access to university information and reduced missed announcements. The study concludes that a context-specific multimedia communication platform can enhance institutional communication efficiency, strengthen student engagement, and support digital transformation initiatives in higher education. These findings provide practical insights into the design and implementation of integrated campus networking systems for university communities.
Downloads
References
Al-Qaysi, N., Granić, A., Al-Emran, M., Ramayah, T., Garces, E., & Daim, T. U. (2023). Social media adoption in education: A systematic review of disciplines, applications, and influential factors. Technology in Society, 73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102249
Ansari, I. S., & Lu, H. Y. (2024). Democratizing software creation in higher education: The rise of low-code/no-code platforms for custom educational application design. Computers & Education Open, 6, Article 100174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100174
Cheong, B. C. (2024). Transparency and accountability in AI and smart systems: Safeguarding wellbeing in the age of algorithmic decision-making. Frontiers in Human Dynamics, 6, Article 1421273. https://doi.org/10.3389/fhumd.2024.1421273
Dionne, L., & Pruneau, D. (2025). Promoting the wellbeing of students and the sustainability of a university campus: Solutions from a design thinking experiment. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 26(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-03-2025-0194
Le, H.-G., Sok, S., & Heng, K. (2024). The benefits of peer mentoring in higher education: Findings from a systematic review. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (31), Article 1159. https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi31.1159
Muda, T. Z. T., Wong, X. Y., & Teh,X. L. (2022). Designing a MobileApps: Savior. Journal of Information System and Technology Management,7 (29), 178-185. https://doi.org/ 10.35631/JISTM.729016
Mukred, M., Mokhtar, U. A., Hawash, B., AlSalman, H., & Zohaib, M. (2024). The adoption and use of learning analytics tools to improve decision making in higher learning institutions: An extension of technology acceptance model. Heliyon, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26315
Niță, V., & Guțu, I. (2023). The role of leadership and digital transformation in higher education students' work engagement. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), Article 5124. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065124
Norman, D. A. . (2013). The design of everyday things. Basic Books.
Sabah, N. M., & Altalbe, A. A. (2022). Learning Outcomes of Educational Usage of Social Media: The Moderating Roles of Task–Technology Fit and Perceived Risk. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(14). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148895
Saidin, A. Z., Yusoff, Y. M., Ropi, S. A. M. (2025). S3l: Towards a MobileBased Solution for Enhancing Sign Language Communication Between Parents and Children with Hearing Impairment. Journal of Information System and Technology Management, 10 (41), 390-404. https://doi.org/10.35631/JISTM.1041025
Saidin, A.Z., Mohd Salmi, N.A.M., & Syukri, A.N. (2024). Padanan Pintar: A Game-Based Intervention in Regulating Sensoryand Emotional Overload in Children With ASD. Journal of Creative Industry and Sustainable Culture, 3 (7), 101-113. https://doi.org/10.32890/jcisc2024.3.7
Singun, A. J. (2025). Unveiling the barriers to digital transformation in higher education institutions: A systematic literature review. Discover Education, 4(1), Article 37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00430-9
Terrion, J. L., & Leonard, D. (2007). A taxonomy of the characteristics of student peer mentors in higher education: Findings from a literature review. Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 15(2), 149–164. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611260601086311
Terzieva, V., Ilchev, S., & Todorova, K. (2022). The Role of Internet of Things in Smart Education. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 55(11), 108–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.08
Toreid, H. E., Sjølie, B. H. M., Bjørbæk, S. A., & Köhler, M. (2025). Digital peer mentoring in higher education: Results from a qualitative study involving digital part-time nursing students. Heliyon, 11(4), Article e42454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e4245
