Students, Faculty Adjust to iPads and eBooks

Bluefield University students and faculty alike are getting used to the pros and cons of classroom instruction with iPads and e-textbooks.

Thanks to a partnership with Apple, the university gave all students and faculty an iPad bundle, including an iPad Air 4, an Apple Pencil and a Smart Keyboard, to start the 2021-2022 academic year. The Apple instructional products were provided as part a new BU initiative called RamsConnect, which is designed to enhance student learning by providing them with the latest technology and to save students money by providing them with access to more cost efficient learning tools.

“I think the iPads are good to have for notes and stuff,” said student Adrianah Grejeda. “It’s very convenient.”

The first batch of iPad bundles went to Bluefield faculty and student leaders who received training through Apple Professional Learning sessions to learn how to effectively use the devices. Later, student-athletes received the iPad bundles, followed by all other students.

The iPads also give students easy access to e-textbooks, which Grejeda said are more challenging to adjust to.

“The ebooks are a hassle because many people prefer physical textbooks,” she said.

However, fellow student Joe Haner said he likes not having physical textbooks.

“I like the iPads and the fact that I don’t have to carry all my books around anymore,” he said.

In addition to easy access to e-textbooks, the iPads also give students access to other course resources, like Canvas, the school’s new online learning management system.

“Canvas makes all assignments for all classes so much neater and organized than MyBC,” said student Matt Trevillian.

Canvas is a course management system that supports online learning and teaching. It allows professors to post assignments, grades and other information online. It is being used by universities and colleges all over the world to create online courses as well as hybrid or blended web-enhanced traditional classes.

“Checking up on assignments through Canvas makes things less stressful,” said student Stephen Swiney, “because of the single section focused solely on that.”