The Digital Blue Initiative and What to Expect

BY: MADISON INGRAM

CHIEF EDITOR

As part of the new Digital Blue Initiative, Westminster College students will receive new iPads beginning in the fall semester. This new one-to-one experience will be cost free to current and new students.

“Students can save up to $4,000 over four years with the incorporation of this technology,” said Assistant Professor of Education, Barri Bumgarner. Students will be able to purchase eBooks on their iPads, allowing them to save money on textbooks. eBooks are not required, but they are an option for all students.

Bumgarner said the initiative will also benefit teachers: “I think it will give teachers the opportunity … to change online teaching — and change the way teachers think and teach their classes,” she said.

Students will receive the iPads on designated days upon arrival next semester, and they will learn how to use the newly implemented technology. The device will belong to the student, allowing students to customize their tablet for both school work and personal use. Some classes may require certain applications to be downloaded for coursework, but many apps will be pre-downloaded to the iPads. Microsoft Office will be downloaded on all iPads for student use.

In addition to the iPad, students will receive a charger and an Apple Pencil for free; other amenities such as cases and keyboards will be sold in the campus bookstore.

Seniors or students who only complete one semester of college can opt out of the Digital Blue initiative. If a one-semester student chooses to accept an iPad, they will have to pay to keep their iPad, or they must return it at the end of the completed semester.