This browser does not support the Video element.
UT students help develop app to assist students returning to campus
The app, called Protect Texas Together, will allow students, faculty, and staff to track their symptoms, record COVID-19 test results, get connected to medical resources, and assist with contact tracing.
AUSTIN, Texas - As UT students prepare to go back to school this fall during the COVID-19 pandemic, an app developed by students and Dell Medical School is looking to make that process run a little more smoothly.
The app, called Protect Texas Together, will allow students, faculty, and staff to track their symptoms, record COVID-19 test results, get connected to medical resources, and assist with contact tracing.
DOWNLOAD THE FOX 7 AUSTIN NEWS APP
This browser does not support the Video element.
UT Austin: 45-50 percent of students choosing to attend online-only classes this fall
Interim president Jay Hartzell says they're hopeful about how this upcoming semester will look for students, faculty and staff.
“I can confidently say it’s the most responsibility is had in a single project and also potentially the most impactful project I’ve ever worked on,” said UT senior Henry Rossiter who helped develop the app. “It was great, I didn’t have much else to do thanks to local restrictions. I was essentially locked in my apartment with a laptop so things worked out perfectly."
After logging in 40 hours a week for several months, Rossiter clued FOX 7 Austin in on his role during development. “Primarily my role was designing the app that goes on your phone, the colors you see, the shapes you click on, etcetera,” said Rossiter.
This browser does not support the Video element.
UT students develop ‘Octoshop’ to help shoppers navigate pandemic
UT Austin student Darshan Bhatta spoke with Fox 7 in April about a project called “InStok” to help shoppers figure out what’s in stock at their local retailers as the pandemic makes products scarce. Now, Bhatta has developed a Chrome extension called “Octoshop” to help folks with online shopping.
Rather than have an outside company build the app, Dell Medical School figured using the university’s resources was a much better option.
“We’re trying to build a voluntary community where people are protecting themselves and others,” said Cameron Craddock, associate professor at Dell Medical School who led the project.
Craddock said the app is a great tool for students who are concerned about whether they think they may have the virus.
SIGN UP FOR FOX 7 AUSTIN EMAIL ALERTS
This browser does not support the Video element.
UT requests students quarantine before returning to campus
There’s only about one month to go before the university welcomes some students back for the fall semester. Still, concerns over how to keep COVID-19 from spreading have yet to go away.
“That will give them feedback on whether they should stay home or they could come to campus and if there are concerns to get tested then it gives them information on where to get tested,” said Craddock.
The app, which is completely optional for students, is set to release on August 17th. While the app is for the UT campus only at this time, they are looking at expanding it to possibly other campuses or places depending on how it turns out.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.