Teesside University’s commitment to digital teaching and learning has seen it become recognised as an Apple Distinguished School.
Selection as an Apple Distinguished School highlights Teesside University’s success in creating an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic achievement.
Apple Distinguished Schools are seen as centres of leadership and educational excellence which display a clear vision of how their technology-rich environments support learning goals – inspiring student creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.
Becoming an Apple Distinguished School is the latest step in Teesside University’s digital transformation under its Future Facing Learning initiative, which has prioritised the digital empowerment of staff and students to innovate teaching and harness success.
As part of the programme, Teesside University has embarked on one of the biggest and most ambitious digital roll-outs the higher education sector has ever seen.
Over 11,400 iPad devices, along with a specialist toolkit of apps, have been distributed to students and staff to support teaching and learning. Hundreds of academic staff have also completed the Digital Development Programme to boost innovation and creativity in their teaching practices.
Feedback to date has been positive, with 90% of students who responded to a recent survey agreeing that their iPad has supported them in their studies and 70% saying they have used their iPad more frequently during the pandemic.
The latest accolade of becoming an Apple Distinguished School, follows the University’s recognition last year as the first European higher education institution to become an Adobe Creative Campus in recognition of its commitment to promoting digital literacy across all courses and areas of study.
Professor Mark Simpson (pictured above), Teesside University pro vice-chancellor for learning and teaching, said: “Future Facing Learning has not only transformed the student experience; it has galvanised infrastructure improvements, challenged teaching staff to become increasingly innovative and acted as a leveller for student success.
“It is fantastic to see Teesside University recognised an Apple Distinguished School. We have made a significant investment to enhance our learning environment and Apple Technology is a central part of this.”
The university’s vice-chancellor and chief executive, Professor Paul Croney, added: “We are delighted to become an Apple Distinguished School.
“Teesside University is an anchor institution with a strong mission to transform lives and economies. We have a significant commitment to digital transformation and empowerment, with the Future Facing Learning approach key to the success of, not only our students and graduates, but the wider communities we serve.
“This is fantastic recognition for the work we are doing and supports our approach to 21st century teaching excellence.”