Savanna Hoffman
With the rising cost of tuition fees, maintenance loans decreasing, and the overall cost of living in student halls or private accommodation being generally high, students often struggle financially. While universities have addressed this issue by providing devices to students, such as Shenandoah University, which provides an iPad and MacBook to each undergraduate student, there is a question of whether universities would benefit financially by renting tablets to students. This service would help students save money and potentially increase enrolment numbers, but it is unclear if the universities would make more money from this venture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Students' access to devices | 99% of college students feel laptops are at least moderately important for academic success, yet 8% (over a million students) don't have access to one |
| Incentive to attend a school | Helping students save the thousands they'd have to spend on a computer could serve as an incentive to attend a school |
| Enrollment impact | Shenandoah University's iMLearning device program has likely impacted enrollment positively |
| Device programs | A number of schools have added device programs to facilitate remote learning |
| Student loan usage | Student loan money can be used to pay for room and board, whether it's on- or off-campus housing |
| Average student rent in Britain | £146 per week or £633 per month |
| Average student debt in 2020 | £27,000 |
| Rental yield | Parents with children studying in Newcastle could get a rental yield of close to 10% |
| Cheapest university towns in the UK | 1. Belfast 2. Aberdeen 3. Dundee |
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What You'll Learn
Increased enrolment and student success
Providing students with rented tablets can help universities increase enrolment and improve student success. Here's how:
Addressing financial barriers
The cost of purchasing a laptop or tablet can be a significant financial burden for students, especially with rising tuition fees and maintenance loans decreasing. By offering rented tablets, universities can alleviate this financial burden and make their institutions more accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. This can lead to increased enrolment, as more students will be able to afford the technology required for their studies.
Enhancing remote learning
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of remote learning and the need for all students to have access to devices. By providing rented tablets, universities can ensure that all students have equal access to the technology required for online instruction. This can improve student success, as all students will be able to fully participate in remote learning activities, regardless of their financial situation.
Supporting academic success
Laptops and tablets are essential tools for academic success in higher education. An EDUCAUSE survey found that 99% of college students felt laptops were at least moderately important for their academic success. By offering rented tablets, universities can ensure that all students have access to the technology they need to succeed academically, improving overall student success and satisfaction.
Attracting prospective students
Prospective students may view universities that provide rented tablets as more attractive options. This added incentive can influence a student's decision to enrol, particularly if they are already facing significant financial burdens to finance their education. Universities that address students' technology needs from the beginning can set themselves apart as institutions that prioritize accessibility and student success.
Facilitating digital equity
Providing rented tablets can help universities promote digital equity among their student bodies. Some students may not have access to the latest technology or may face challenges in affording device repairs and maintenance. By offering rented tablets with support services like AppleCare+, universities can ensure that all students have access to functioning devices, narrowing the digital divide and creating a more equitable learning environment.
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Cost-saving for students
The cost of a laptop or tablet is a significant expense for students, who often have to borrow large sums of money to finance their education. In addition, the cost of living in student accommodation is generally high, and students' maintenance loans are decreasing. Therefore, helping students save the thousands they would have to spend on a computer could be an incentive for them to attend a particular university.
Before 2020, many universities provided devices to some students, typically loaning a laptop out for a fee. However, the pandemic increased the need for device programs, as students who used to rely on computer labs lost access to them, highlighting the inequity that existed. Now, some universities are addressing this issue by offering devices to students for free. For example, Shenandoah University has been handing out an iPad and MacBook to each undergraduate student and select graduate students since 2010.
In addition to saving money on the initial cost of a device, students can also save on repair costs. For example, Cleveland State University offers AppleCare+ with its devices, which puts a cap on repair costs that previously would have been charged to the student.
Renting a tablet from a university could also help students save money by providing them with access to the internet, which is essential for remote learning. Students living in shared properties may also find it easier to budget if their rent includes all bills, as they can be sure of how much they will need to pay each month.
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Addressing inequalities
The transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of devices for academic success, with laptops deemed at least moderately important by 99% of college students. However, 8% of students, potentially more than a million, lacked access to one. This inequity in device access disproportionately affects students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, exacerbating existing inequalities.
Universities can address these inequalities by providing devices to students, such as Shenandoah University's iMLearning program, which lends an iPad and MacBook to each undergraduate. This initiative has received positive feedback and likely impacted enrollment positively. Offering devices can incentivize students to attend, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who may struggle to afford a device.
Additionally, universities can ensure students have access to Wi-Fi, which is crucial for remote learning. Cleveland State University's Summer Bridge Enrichment Academy helps incoming freshmen transition to college by providing them with academic resources and a residential experience.
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Remote learning support
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for universities to provide remote learning support to students. While many universities provided devices to some students before 2020, the expanded use of online instruction has increased the need for device programs. Universities should proactively address student device and connectivity needs to ensure a level playing field for all students and to boost enrollment.
Some universities have implemented successful device programs, such as Shenandoah University's iMLearning program, which provides an iPad and MacBook to each undergraduate student and certain graduate students. This program has received positive feedback and may have impacted enrollment. Other universities have loaned Chromebooks, Dell, HP, or IBM laptops to students for a fee.
In addition to device programs, universities can offer other forms of remote learning support. For example, Cleveland State University launched a three-week Summer Bridge Enrichment Academy to help incoming freshmen transition to college, learn about academic support resources, and get acquainted with the higher education experience.
Universities can also consider providing financial support to students for technology-related expenses. For example, Cleveland State University offers AppleCare+, which caps the cost of repairs and saves the university money in the long run.
Overall, by offering remote learning support, universities can improve the student experience, boost enrollment, and ultimately increase their revenue.
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Preparing students for employment
Universities are increasingly aware of the demand from employers for graduates to possess not only knowledge in their specialised fields but also fundamental transferable skills. To address this, universities are embedding soft skills into degree programmes and offering more vocational courses. For example, Bath Spa University aims to foster skills such as critical and creative thinking, global awareness, and digital literacy, which will be essential for graduates entering a complex and ever-changing job market.
Additionally, universities are providing students with access to alumni networks and career advice services to help them build contacts and gain work experience. Some universities also work with employers and professional bodies to develop programmes that support students' career development.
Encouraging students to take responsibility for their learning and think laterally can also help them become adept problem-solvers. For instance, the "Genius Hour" project piloted in some Canadian schools allows students to explore their interests, emulating how companies like Google encourage employees to pursue passion projects.
Universities can also help students save money by providing devices such as laptops and tablets, which can aid in their studies and prepare them for employment. This can be particularly beneficial for students who may not be able to afford their own devices, ensuring a level playing field and potentially boosting enrollment.
In conclusion, universities play a crucial role in preparing students for employment by offering a range of support mechanisms, developing their soft skills, and providing access to technology. However, it is also important to strike a balance and ensure that more practical skills are not neglected in favour of soft skills.
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Frequently asked questions
Universities can attract more students by providing tablets for rent, especially those from low-income backgrounds who may not be able to afford one otherwise. This can boost enrollment numbers and increase the university's revenue.
Students can save thousands of dollars by renting tablets from their university instead of purchasing their own. This can be especially beneficial for students who are already taking out loans to finance their education.
The shift to online learning during the pandemic highlighted the importance of device availability for students. Many universities expanded their device programs to address the needs of students who no longer had access to on-campus computer labs.
Universities will need to consider the initial cost of purchasing tablets, as well as the ongoing maintenance and repair costs associated with these devices. Additionally, they may need to invest in additional infrastructure, such as improved Wi-Fi connectivity, to support the increased use of digital devices on campus.
