'First-Year Experience' Earns Designation as Apple Distinguished Program
JONESBORO – The First-Year Experience (FYE) Program at Arkansas State University has been selected as an “Apple Distinguished Program” for 2016-18, a two-year designation.
"Congratulations on being recognized as an exemplary learning environment for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence," Kathleen Ferenz, senior program manager with Apple Distinguished Schools, a division of Apple Inc., said in a letter notifying the university.
"A-State's FYE program was recognized for the highly selective award because of its innovative use of mobile learning in the classroom," according to Dr. Jill Simons, assistant vice chancellor for undergraduate studies.
"Teaching in a mobile environment allows students to utilize their iPads for hands-on classroom activities. In addition to content-specific apps, students can use their tablets to access real-time data for impromptu classroom research and discussions. Many of the social engagement tools allow students to work collaboratively on class projects."
This is the second time the FYE program has received the honor, also earning the designation for 2013‑15.
"Another benefit to anytime-anywhere learning is students have easy access to course materials, college texts and related apps no matter their location," Simons continued. "The university embraces mobile technology as a life-style tool."
In addition to classroom uses, the iPad assists with organization as well as study and time management.
"Beyond college, it is important that students learn how to utilize smart devices in a professional manner because tablets and mobile devices are commonplace in today’s business settings," she also said.
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