Would you go with Vygo?

During 2022, Ben Ingram, Coordinator Peer Learning, pilotted Vygo within the English Conversation Club (ECC). Vygo is a mentoring platform that strives to make seeking and accessing help easy for all.

Programs such as the ECC can be listed on the platform for students to discover and join, either as mentors or mentees. Students can register with single sign on and browse for suitable mentors to connect with. Mentors can schedule group sessions and mentees can connect with, chat, or request a meeting with mentors.

Why Vygo for English Conversation Club?

Vygo was selected as it could provide English Language Learners with autonomy as they were free to select their mentors and arrange session timing and frequency.

Vygo enhanced the opportunity for English language learners to practise conversational English, expand their English vocabularies and confidence, and socialise with other students in an informal environment.

Outcomes of trial:

• Nine mentors and sixty-one mentees participated in the trial.
• Though more students attended the on campus ECC than Vygo, both one-to-one and group sessions occurred on Vygo, with group sessions more popular.
• Vygo has mechanisms in place to encourage engagement such as banners, push notifications, and sending messages on behalf of mentors.
• Mentor profiles and pages are appealing and it is easy to see who you can connect with.
• The support provided by Vygo staff throughout the trial was exceptional.

Though Ben and the ECC will not be continuing with Vygo, it could be a useful tool for other mentoring programs. So, will you go with Vygo?