The AACRAO Technology and Transfer Conference is a great way to see how institutions are utilizing technology in innovative ways on their campuses. Jack Miner, University Registrar at The Ohio State University, provided a glimpse into how Ohio State is implementing a new digital flagship program this fall that provides students with exciting new ways to think about learning and technology.
Transforming the student experience
According to their
website, Digital Flagship is a "comprehensive, university-wide digital learning initiative to support educational innovation for students and economic development opportunities for the community." Ultimately, it’s a student success initiative to blend learning technology throughout the university experience and increase student engagement and learning transformation—both inside and outside the classroom.
Digital Flagship focuses on:
-
Technology devices
- Coding curriculum
- Design lab
- Apps and resources
- Curriculum and pedagogy
How do you provide iPads to thousands of students?
This fall 2018, all incoming freshman at the Columbus campus and all regional campuses will being receiving an iPad. The pack includes an Apple iPad Pro, protective case, smart keyboard, Apple pencil, and three years AppleCare+.
Not only does it require thinking about how to actually get the iPad to students, but it requires thought around admissions, registrar, and financial aid considerations.
Governance and partners
Digital Flagship provides regular updates to members of the university community including the Board of Trustees, Student Life, University Senate, Undergraduate Student Government, Curricular Deans, First Year Experience, Faculty partners and more. Additionally, executive sponsors guide strategy and direction, and advisory group comprised of faculty, staff, and students provide programmatic feedback, and a policy workgroup has been established as a sub-committee of the advisory group.
Who owns the iPad? Is it the student or the University?
Working with University stakeholders, it was concluded that the University owns the iPad throughout the undergraduate career, but upon graduation, the student will be able to keep the iPad, since it will devalue to somewhere around $50. To those students who declined an iPad upon arrival to the institution, they will receive a gift valued at no more than $50.
Coding curriculum and design lab
The Ohio State University partnered with Apple to bring a variety of instructional opportunities to campus.
Coding curriculum
The University is currently working with multiple stakeholders to develop coding curriculum, and preliminary online coding courses should be available in spring 2019.
Design lab
The first iOS Design Lab in North America will be available on campus. The lab will provide an outlet for students, faculty, staff, and the greater Ohio community to explore app development, from the beginning stages to the deployment. Additionally, twice per year, Ohio State will select an app idea based on community and administrator requests and gather a team of university stakeholders to begin the development process at the enterprise design lab.
Featured apps for students
Ohio State provides apps to students that are designed to support learning and life at Ohio State. Examples include the official Ohio State app, Canvas Student, Notability, Top Hat Lecture, Microsoft Office, and The Lantern.
Digital Flagship and the future
Ultimately, this initiative is about giving students the resources to build relationships and connect with their community. It’s designed to prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom and to empower them to be innovative and creative.