UWS to deploy 11,000 iPads to staff and students
The University of Western Sydney (UWS) will be rolling out 11,000 Apple 16GB iPads to all academic staff and newly enrolled students in 2013.
The rollout marks the start of the university's four-year Blended Learning strategy to help students interact with the university via the internet, and will complement face-to-face teaching, according to UWS. The offer is only available to all new domestic undergraduate students and ongoing academic staff.
"This initiative will not only readily equip our students and academic staff with mobile tools to enhance learning; it will also help them to engage with an ever-increasing online world," UWS vice-chancellor professor Kerri-Lee Krause said in a statement.
Under the create@UWS banner, students and staff members will work together to make the teaching and learning experience more interactive.
"Mobile technology will be a key part of this strategy," Krause said. "We want to support our academic staff to make the most of iPads and custom-designed apps in class so that even in the largest lecture theatre, students have access to just-for-me, just-in-time interactive learning experiences."
While current students of UWS have missed out on the iPad deal, they can make themselves feel better with an AU$50 textbook subsidy offered by the university.
iPad Collection Day for students will be held on 16 January at the UWS campus in Parramatta.