RWU, Samsung extend, expand pilot technology program

BRISTOL – Roger Williams University and Samsung have extended a pilot program that is enabling students at two schools at the university to more easily create and share work virtually with cloud computing tools and techniques.

Last fall, Samsung donated 100 of its 27-inch multi-function LED Samsung monitors, which have been used to create a collaborative work environment for students in RWU’s School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation. The architecture students used certain types of software for high-end computer graphics that are best supported by this hardware, the university said.

As the new school year begins, the Samsung Design Studio in the architecture school now includes 275 additional energy-efficient Samsung LED Monitors at student workstations, 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.

In addition, the Samsung Collaborative Learning Lab in RWU’s School of Continuing Studies now includes two interactive touch-screen displays and 25 Zero-Client Cloud Displays for student use and the delivery of online courses.

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As part of the university’s “Affordable Excellence Initiative,” the partnership enables virtual collaboration in the “cloud,” through access to technology and interactive whiteboards, enabling students to access sophisticated software like AutoCAD, Revit and Adobe Creative Suite across disciplines while lowering the overall cost to use personal devices like laptops.

Using the Samsung tools is enabling the university “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 [to] create a richer, more collaborative academic environment,” said Donald J. Farish, university president.

“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.”

Tod Pike, senior vice president at Samsung Electronics America’s Enterprise Business Division, said the company’s 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.

For more information on the Affordable Excellence initiative, visit www.rwu.edu/ae.

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