Western Sydney Uni deploys 5,000 Microsoft Surface tablets

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news Western Sydney University is to deploy 5,000 Microsoft Surface 3 devices in order to boost flexible learning within its courses.

The university will provide the computers to new students this year with the aim of providing more innovative and engaging learning opportunities.

Students who have received an early offer from the university will receive a Surface 3 device on 6 January as part of the University’s ‘Connect and Collect Day’ being held at the Parramatta campus. Those students will soon be studying a range of courses from across the School of Science and Health, Social Sciences and Psychology, and the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Denise Kirkpatrick said the devices are central to Western Sydney University’s wider strategy to foster innovation and industry alignment.

The university is working in conjunction with Microsoft and other partners to create more opportunities for students to learn by using contemporary technologies in ways that provide them with greater flexibility, she explained.

“Several years ago Western Sydney University became one of the first universities to provide devices to students as part of its flexible learning program. The 2016 program takes that a step further as the university works with industry leading technology partners such as Microsoft, to determine the most suitable device for each of our courses,” said Kirkpatrick.

“Our students are the leaders of tomorrow and as we prepare them for their future careers, we believe it’s essential that we empower their learning with the necessary support and leading edge technology to maximise learning outcomes and deepen their engagement in learning,” she added.

Pip Marlow, Managing Director of Microsoft Australia said: “Microsoft is delighted to be working closely with the progressive Western Sydney University. We see the role of technology as a driver of change in the way students learn the 21st century skills they need to become our future leaders.”

“Surface allows students to create, collaborate and analyse problems – all with the device since it functions as a full PC, with touch, keyboard and the Surface Pen,” Microsoft said in a statement.

Microsoft staff will be on campus at the university on 6 January and at other times during the enrolment process to offer demonstrations of Surface 3 devices and advise on how to maximise the learning experience for students and staff.

Image credit: Microsoft

2 COMMENTS

  1. There was a significant pilot project before the choice to adopt the Surface devices. User feedback was nearly universally positive.

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