DIGITAL WORLD FOUR YEARS LATER

To support student success in an ever-changing society, Maryville launched its Digital World Program in 2015. Digital World provides an iPad to all traditional undergraduate students and select graduate programs. Traditional undergraduate students who arrived on campus when Digital World launched four years ago are the first class to graduate after having used an iPad their entire college career.

The iPad has enabled Maryville University to revolutionize the passive model of education by moving to an Active Learning Ecosystem, where the student is the central focus and hands-on learning with technology is built into the fabric of the curriculum. The iPad offers students a personalized learning approach and the freedom to learn anywhere, anytime. Simply put, the iPad enables students to develop the skills they need to be successful.

“Maryville is remarkably different than it was four years ago,” said Sam Harris, director of learning technology and support. “Digital World caused a cultural shift in the way our faculty teach and the way our students learn. Today, faculty are no longer standing at a podium above the students — they are side by side. Students are active in their learning and faculty are active in helping them understand.”

Goals

• Promote and build digital literacy through course work
• Use the iPad as a meaningful learning tool
• Identify and incorporate high-quality digital learning content
• Equip students and faculty with technology that levels the playing field for all

Results

• 94% of students agree technology is instrumental to their success at Maryville
• 91% of students agree the iPad helps them better connect with classmates
• 81% of students agree the iPad contributed to their learning experience in a positive way
• 95% of full-time faculty have attended semester-long professional development related to using the iPad in the classroom

Four years ago, Maryville University launched its Digital World Program. We interviewed several students as incoming freshmen, and revisited their experiences four years later. Learn more at maryville.edu/digitalworld.