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Leeds Chatbots Technology

Leeds Beckett University chatbot Becky enrols new students

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By John McCarthy, Opinion Editor

August 18, 2017 | 2 min read

Leeds Beckett University has successfully launched a new chatbot that informed students of their enrollment in the learning institution.

Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University's chatbot Becky

The bot went live on Wednesday and has since sent messages to over 400 users, also helping offer places to an additional people through Clearing.

The Bot was capable of talking term dates, accommodation, the application process, describing the Leeds scene, and guiding students through Clearing. By analysing keywords, the bot could learn the courses prospective students want to attend and scan them for availability – cutting down a process that would usually be reliant upon email, a letter or a phone call.

Chris Watts, director of university recruitment at Leeds Beckett, said: “We know that prospective students are undertaking more research prior to results day and are far more clear about both their course and their prospective career path. Unsurprisingly the majority of this research takes place online, with social media forming a key part of the relationship prospective students are building with institutions prior to accepting a place.

“At Leeds Beckett we continue to be at the forefront of employing new technologies in meeting the needs of our prospective and current students and the launch of this chatbot to make offers to prospective students is a response to this.

“The bot hasn’t replaced more traditional methods of communication, it’s merely an addition to the already excellent service we seek to provide to all prospective students. Our phone lines will continue to be open throughout the clearing process.”

Leeds Chatbots Technology

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