New Innovation Hub at Derby College Provides Access to Latest Technologies
Fujitsu and Intel have launched a new Innovation Hub at Derby College, which is set to put technology at the heart of learning for the College and its students.
As part of the businesses’ commitment to developing IT skills in the UK, the new Innovation Hub, which is the ninth of its kind in the UK, will transform the learning experience for more than 400 students on degree programmes at the College, support teacher development CPD, as well as providing a resource for the wider community.
Derby College works with a wide range of local and national businesses who contribute to the design of its courses to ensure they stay current and relevant for their needs. Located in the College's Roundhouse campus in Pride Park, Derby, the Innovation Hub is the latest step in this relationship.
As well as providing a valuable resource to Derby College staff and students, other local education establishments will be able to send their students and staff to the college for training on a variety of the latest technologies and software from Fujitsu and Intel, helping them to prepare for a more digitally focused world.
The facility has been fitted with a range of Fujitsu and Intel hardware, including STYLISTIC tablets, LIFEBOOK laptops, and ESPRIMO desktop PC’s, offering a more personalised teaching and learning experience as teachers and students have the option to choose between the devices and make use of the device best suited to their own teaching or learning style.
Derby College Head of Faculty Kate Martin said: "With a growing number of Higher Education students at the College, we have designed a study area specifically for them at the Roundhouse campus, including this Innovation Hub.
"We are extremely grateful to Fujitsu and Intel for their investment in the College which will greatly enhance the students' learning experience and provide them with the latest technologies to improve their digital literacy that will better prepare them for the next stage of their education and the world of work."
Among the students benefiting from the new facilities is Jack Bowler (18) who is studying for a Foundation Degree in Hospitality Management at the College.
He said: "Having completed my Level three qualification in Catering and Hospitality at the College I was keen to stay here to progress onto the Foundation Degree.
"These new facilities are fantastic and give us a quiet study area with top of the range technology that will be invaluable in our future working lives."
“Derby College is on an exciting journey towards a digital transformation,” said Ash Merchant, Director of Education, Fujitsu UK and Ireland. “As an educational establishment it strives to achieve the very best and recognises the role technology can play. We’re incredibly excited to be supporting the team through this process and look forward to a successful future for the college and community.”
“Intel shares Fujitsu’s passion for education and inclusion for all and is delighted to support the Education Ambassador Programme,” says Danny Arati, Education Manager, Intel Europe. “We have a decade worth of experience working with more than 12 million teachers and we know the potential technology can bring to the classroom to enrich learning. The Innovation Hub at Derby College will enable teachers to better help prepare students for success in the future.”