Predictive Mobile App for Student-Based Platforms on Social Engagement within a College Community

Authors

  • Kara Wiegel CIS Senior Student at Messiah University
  • Madeline Gohn
  • Colleen Miller

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59461/ijitra.v4i2.170

Keywords:

Student Social Engagement , Web Application , Digital Social Networking , Online Friendship Building

Abstract

Students transitioning into a post-secondary education face challenges physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Many struggle to connect with peers in this new environment, impacting their sense of belonging and mental health. This is especially for students who miss out on in-person activities such as orientation, struggle to talk to new people, or begin school later than their peers. Additionally, students have various schedules, such as commuters who spend their time off campus and miss social activities or students not involved in clubs or school events. The COVID-19 pandemic has further reshaped the educational and social landscape, solidifying technology as a means of learning and socialization. In this digital era, online platforms can enhance student engagement, both academically and socially. FlightMU - College Friend Finder is an online platform developed to help students at Messiah University create social connections by broadening potential friendships beyond physical interactions and facilitating communication. This article will examine FlightMU’s impact on student social engagement by analyzing how the platform fosters connections and enhances social experiences in a post-secondary setting.

Author Biographies

Kara Wiegel, CIS Senior Student at Messiah University

Kara Wiegel is planning on graduating in Spring 2025 with her B.S. in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Web Development at Messiah University. She is the team lead and contributes to Flight on the front-end development, design, and filling in for other tasks that need to be done.  Outside of her class work, Kara works two part-time jobs, one as social media director and another as an application development.

Madeline Gohn

Madeline Gohn is finishing her B.S. in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Business Information Systems at Messiah University. As one of the developers of Flight, she prides herself in her work of the backend development of some of the critical features of the app. Outside of class, Madeline works as a Quality Assurance Engineer.

Colleen Miller

Colleen Miller is pursuing a B.S. Computer and Information Science at Messiah University, with a concentration in Computer Science. As a key contributor to Flight, she focuses on backend development and database management to create an online social platform for university students.

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Published

2025-06-18

How to Cite

Wiegel, K., Gohn, M., & Miller, C. (2025). Predictive Mobile App for Student-Based Platforms on Social Engagement within a College Community . International Journal of Information Technology, Research and Applications, 4(2), 36–45. https://doi.org/10.59461/ijitra.v4i2.170

Issue

Section

Regular Issue