West Hills College students begin picking up Ipads to help them through college

Distribution of iPads at both campuses is underway, part of the college district’s Apple iPad Initiative to bring new technology and learning tools to students. Those full time students who signed up to reserve their tablet are able to pick them up during business hours daily.

At Lemoore, Teresa Beleczar was one of the first in line when distribution began on Thursday.

District-wide, nearly 300 students signed up to participate in the pilot program and the college is taking reservations for a second delivery of iPads in the weeks to come. The iPads will be integrated into classrooms over the 2014-15 academic year.  Classes start Monday, Aug. 18.

The initiative, which will begin to put new technology in the hands of full time students and faculty, coupled with training and on-campus learning groups, is part of the district’s stated mission, “The relentless pursuit of student success,” according to Frank Gornick, WHCCD chancellor.

The new technology will provide West Hills College students with a new way to learn and faculty with an additional way to teach by incorporating iPads into the classroom. Faculty members have attended training sessions since the spring semester. Students will be able to sign up for “lunch and learn” sessions this fall.

“Careers today require workers who can work collaboratively, can teach themselves, are adaptable to change, and can communicate well with the latest technology,” said Stu Van Horn, vice chancellor of educational services and workforce development at WHCCD. “The goal is to prepare students for whatever challenges they might face in the future.”

The program is limited to full time students at this time. Students may purchase the device outright at discounted educational pricing or choose to make payments for up to 24 months. Students who did not sign up to pick up an iPad prior to the start of classes may still be able to participate. More information is at WestHillsCollege.com/tablets. Or students can email ipad@whccd.edu.