Thriving at university: how Kortext study+ and Kortext stream support student health and wellbeing 

Written by Dr Rachel Maxwell, Director of Sector Engagement and Academic Research at Kortext. This blog is based on a recent Kortext presentation as part of a Student Minds webinar that featured guest speakers from the University of East London. 

University life can be both exciting and challenging. While students embark on a journey of academic growth, they also face pressures that can impact their wellbeing. At Kortext, we understand the importance of supporting students in every aspect of their university experience.  

In this blog, we explore how Kortext study+ and Kortext stream are designed to enhance student health and wellbeing. 

Empowering students with Kortext study+

Kortext study+ integrates seamlessly with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing students with direct access to a wide range of resources, including those for wellbeing support.  

Kortext study+ includes a permanent link to the Student Minds website, ensuring that students can access a mental health resources and support in just one-click – making help available anytime for students who need immediate assistance. 

In addition to mental health resources, study+ offers a variety of open access collections, including a stress awareness collection, featuring books and materials specifically curated to support student health and wellbeing. 

Universities can also create custom collections to add to the ‘My Library’ bookshelf about the specific mental health and wellbeing resources available within their institution. 

Student mental health is also impacted by their study environment. Users of study+ have access to a range of features, designed to ease the administrative and logistical aspects of learning.  

For example, the platform’s intuitive design allows students to highlight text, add notes, and even translate content into different languages – a feature that is particularly beneficial for international students who may find it easier to understand complex material in their native language.  

By embedding these tools within the student learning workflow, study+ supports deeper learning and helps students engage more effectively with their coursework. 

Enhancing learning and wellbeing with Kortext stream 

Kortext stream takes student support a step further by leveraging data and analytics to monitor student engagement, which research has shown to be closely linked to mental health and academic success.  

By tracking engagement levels, stream can identify students who may be at risk and prompt early intervention. 

For example, if a student’s engagement drops significantly, stream can send a gentle nudge to the student, encouraging them to reach out for support. If the student doesn’t respond, a notification is sent to their tutor, prompting a support meeting.  

This proactive approach ensures that students receive the help they need before escalation. 

Kortext stream also provides valuable insights into student behaviour, helping universities tailor support. By analysing engagement data, universities can identify patterns and trends, allowing them to implement targeted interventions.  

This data-driven approach not only supports individual students but also informs broader institutional strategies for student wellbeing. 

The impact of early intervention

Early intervention is crucial in preventing mental health issues from becoming crises.  

By identifying changes early and virtually, universities can provide timely support and prevent escalation by addressing issues long before they become apparent in the physical classroom. 

“I was able to see when my anxiety started & to have a system like this made it so much easier to understand the journey as a whole … because it is overwhelming.”

(An NTU Business Management student interviewed for the BBC World at One 31/10/2019) 

Building a supportive community

A supportive community is essential for student wellbeing. At the heart of Kortext’s approach is the belief that data should start conversations, not dictate actions. 

Engagement data provides a starting point for meaningful conversations between students and staff, facilitating tailored support and connecting students with the appropriate resources. 

Conclusion

Kortext study+ and Kortext stream are powerful tools in supporting student wellbeing. By providing easy access to resources, monitoring engagement, and facilitating early intervention, these solutions empower students to thrive academically and personally.  

As universities continue to navigate the complexities of student support, Kortext remains committed to enhancing the student experience and promoting a culture of wellbeing. 

Bring wellbeing support closer to your students by adding your resources to their Kortext bookshelves – get in touch today.