Unit Tasters deliver sustained student engagement through critical offer-to-census period
UNE's Unit Taster pilot program has demonstrated strong student engagement and retention potential, with early results showing sustained usage patterns that extend well beyond the original "preview" concept. The pilot represents a strategic extension of Project Belong's proven success in improving student conversion rates, particularly among HEPPP-identified cohorts.
While Project Belong focused on the offer-to-enrolment phase, Unit Tasters bridge the gap through to census, providing AI-powered support during the critical early weeks of study.
From preview to comprehensive support
The Trimester 1 pilot launched across three strategically selected undergraduate units - CHEM110, HLTH101, and WRIT101 - chosen based on enrolment metrics, HEPPP alignment, and historical withdrawal rates. Units were prioritised for significant populations of regional, rural, remote, low SES, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.Rather than functioning as simple content samplers, the agents evolved into comprehensive support channels. Conversation analysis revealed students using the tasters for course logistics, assessment clarification, and emotional support during the transition period.
The most frequent queries centred on practical navigation: accessing materials, understanding weekly topics, and clarifying assessment requirements. However, a significant portion of interactions involved students expressing anxiety about workload, seeking extensions, and voicing concerns about potential withdrawal.
Engagement metrics validate the model
Student usage patterns demonstrated the agents' value beyond initial curiosity. CHEM110 recorded 110 conversations among 44 unique users - an average of 2.5 interactions per student. Similar sustained engagement emerged across WRIT101 (32 users, 82 conversations) and HLTH101 (31 users, 64 conversations).This repeat usage indicates students found ongoing value in the agents rather than treating them as one-time preview tools.
Academic staff response has also been positive. Dr Judy Humphries, Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Health, described the HLTH103 agent as "astonishing," specifically highlighting its accuracy, appropriate tone, and effective delivery of information in "chunks rather than all at once."
Strategic deployment continues
The pilot's success has informed ongoing Unit Taster deployment, maintaining focus on units with significant HEPPP populations. The agents continue to operate as intelligent guides, helping students navigate key concepts, learning materials, and assessment information during the vulnerable early study period.
By providing round-the-clock access to accurate, supportive guidance, the Unit Taster pilot is demonstrating how AI can effectively bridge the gap between enrolment and successful study commencement - transforming the critical offer-to-census period from a potential dropout risk into an opportunity for early engagement and confidence building.