University, Samsung Partner on Groundbreaking Ed Tech Initiative
Starting with SAAHP and Continuing Studies, project aims to create collaborative learning environments, reduce technology costs for students and set new standards for “affordable excellence” in higher education
Bristol, R.I. – Roger Williams University and Samsung Electronics America, Inc. are partnering on a groundbreaking educational technology initiative in an effort to create a more collaborative learning environment, reduce technology costs for college students and set new standards for “affordable excellence” in higher education.
The multi-year project will see a transformation in both the learning and administrative environment at Roger Williams – starting in its School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation and its School of Continuing Studies – through the integration of Samsung’s cloud access technology and interactive whiteboards.
In a pilot program that began in fall 2012, RWU and Samsung partnered to install 100 27-inch Samsung LED monitors in architecture student studio workspaces, where students could quickly connect their personal devices, access applications via its upgraded cloud server and use the large-format displays to more easily create and share work. Students benefited from anytime access to advanced applications (including AutoCAD, Revit and Adobe Creative Suite, among others), faster rendering times and exceptional viewing on these professional displays. This approach proved highly successful in containing student and university costs, alleviating space pressures and enhancing students’ computing experience and collaboration.
“Through the expertise and the generosity of Samsung, we will not only be able to regain classroom space by eliminating many of our current computer labs – and offer more affordable technology options to students – but we will also create a richer, more collaborative academic environment,” said Donald J. Farish, President, Roger Williams University. “That’s the entire point of the Affordable Excellence initiative we launched a year ago. This forward-thinking partnership reduces student costs, and most importantly, results in a hands-on, technology-driven learning environment that will prepare our students to thrive in the professional worlds they will encounter after graduation.”
Based on the success of the initial pilot, RWU and Samsung are extending the project this fall to include the creation of:
• The Samsung Design Studio in RWU’s School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation: Includes 275 additional energy-efficient Samsung LED Monitors at student workstations in an open-plan configuration, as well as eight interactive touch-screen displays and eight Zero-Client Cloud Displays located in collaborative learning spaces for presentations, reviews and group discussions.
• The Samsung Collaborative Learning Lab in RWU’s School of Continuing Studies: Includes two interactive touch-screen displays and 25 Zero-Client Cloud Displays for student use and the delivery of online courses.
“For institutions seeking to empower educators and create a rich, collaborative learning environment, Samsung can be the catalyst to help deliver new, immersive digital learning experiences that combine easy-to-use devices and interactive technology, driving creativity and academic growth,” said Tod Pike, senior vice president at Samsung Electronics America’s Enterprise Business Division. “Our cloud access and interactive display products not only facilitate an improved student experience, but also provide valuable IT support and maintenance cost savings enabling RWU to truly offer affordable excellence.”
Based on the continuing success of the collaborative learning project, the University expects to expand the program in the future as part of its effort to transform higher education. In addition, the pilot project and its expansion this fall will serve as the basis for a Samsung case study on higher education.