By Lesley DeVoss—
MUNCIE, Ind. – On January 16, 2024, Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County rolled out the second phase of their Apple initiative on campus. Through a grant opportunity, the campus was able to provide iPad Airs, Apple Pencils, and Logitech Combo Touch keyboards and cases to nursing students. The iPad Airs will be used by the students throughout their time in the program, providing them with experience on industry-standard tools.
“The Muncie/Henry County campus purchased 200+ total devices for use within the Nursing Department to help faculty and students explore new ways to use technology in their courses and Sim Labs,” Amanda Gowin, Academic Affairs Assistant for Nursing, said.
“The iPad initiative for our nursing program helps prepare our students for technology that they will use in their nursing careers. This is an amazing opportunity for our students to be some of the best trained nurses in our area,” Teresa Kelly, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instructional Practice, said.
Local healthcare providers rely on their employees understanding and knowing how to use innovative handheld technology to complete their work. Providing the students with this technology before they enter the workforce gives them the hands-on experience they need to stand out to future employers.
“By providing our students with the same tools that they will be using in the field we are preparing students to onboard with their future employers and increase retention in the workplace,” Emery Peck, Vice Chancellor for Academics, Innovation, Operations and Strategy, said.
Providing faculty and students with a common platform allows for a seamless learning environment. If a student encounters a problem, faculty will be able to assist in finding a solution as they are using the same device and software as the student. Assisting students in learning, adapting and using the devices and software they will encounter after graduation supports their success into the future.
While each iPad is on loan from Ivy Tech, the students will use them throughout their time in the nursing program, removing the barrier of cost that students can experience with technology fees.
Doug Zumbrun, nursing student, said, “I think it’s great Ivy Tech is helping us get technology that we might not otherwise have access to, particularly for the students with lower budgets.”
To learn more about School of Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College Muncie/Henry County, visit online at ivytech.edu/muncie or apply today at ivytech.edu/applynow. If you would like to discuss this or any other program, email them at askmuncie@ivytech.edu.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.
