How lucky for those new students entering the University of Western Sydney in 2013 as the school had committed to issue iPads to support the school's IT-related teaching curriculum.

Professor Kerri-Lee Krause, the university's pro vice-chancellor for Education, said the iPad distribution was part of the UWS' comprehensive curriculum renewal strategy at UWS, which called for the implementation of more flexible study options for students as well as instituting a blended learning model for all UWS degrees from 2013 and forward.

"With digital technology revolutionising how we connect and interact with the world, university study should be no different," Ms Krause said.

"Mobile technologies will be a key part of this strategy. We want to support our academic staff to make the most of iPads and custom-designed apps in class so that, even in the largest lecture theatre, students have access to just-for-me, just-in-time interactive learning experiences." 

"Our students tell us they want more flexible ways to learn.

According to the university's statement, about 11,000 units of iPads will be distributed to each new student and all academic staff in 2013.

"All these are geared to support learning and teaching innovations across the curriculum and in informal learning environments," UWS said.

"Over the next couple of years UWS will challenge some of the traditional lecture-style presentations by including more of the interactive learning that students value so much," Ms Krause said.

With six campuses spread across Greater Western Sydney, the iPad initiative strategy would ensure that all UWS new students could connect with the University via Wi-Fi at any time of day.

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