Tablet FAQs
The Kick-Start Scheme electronic tablet devices FAQs
University College Birmingham is piloting the provision of tablets to selected groups of students. The pilot will help the University make decisions about how we can most effectively support our students to enable them to succeed and reach their full potential. The tablets, which come with a case and a keyboard, are configured to provide you with simple and easy access to a range of interactive technologies including the Student Portal, UCB’s Library Login, Canvas, Microsoft Office and a range of apps that we hope you will find useful whilst at UCB. Working in partnership with our students, UCB is committed to supporting our students to be successful at UCB.
Eligibility
You must meet one of the following categories of eligibility criteria to qualify:
Year 1 Sports Therapy students’ eligibility criteria:
You must be enrolled on BSc(Hons) or FdSc Sports Therapy Year 1.
Year 1 FdA Professional Studies in Childhood students’ (part-time) eligibility criteria:
You must be enrolled on the part-time course FdA Professional Studies in Childhood Year 1.
Progressing from a UCB College course to Higher Education study eligibility criteria:
- You must be studying a full-time, undergraduate course, which starts in September 2018 or after.
- You must have a student status of Home, EU or Channel Isles (i.e. not be considered an International student) – as assessed by UCB. International students are unfortunately ineligible for the scheme.
- You must have been enrolled (and remained enrolled) at University College Birmingham on a full-time College course in the immediate prior academic year.
Joining UCB from one of UCB’s partner schools/colleges eligibility criteria:
- You must be studying a full-time, undergraduate course, which starts in September 2018 or after.
- You must be enrolled on Year 1 of the course.
- You must have a student status of Home, EU or Channel Isles (i.e. not be considered an International student) – as assessed by UCB. International students are unfortunately ineligible for the scheme.
- You must have been enrolled at one of University College Birmingham’s partner schools/colleges* in the immediate prior academic year.
*UCB’s partner schools/colleges are:
- Cadbury Sixth Form College
- BMET College (i.e. Matthew Boulton College, Sutton Coldfield College, James Watt College, Stourbridge College, Kidderminster Academy)
- South & City College
- Sandwell College
- Dudley College
- Greenwood Academy
- Smiths Wood Academy
- John Willmott School
- Hodge Hill Girls School
- Ninestiles Academy
Why am I not eligible for a tablet?
This is a pilot and therefore the University has chosen selected groups of students who will be asked to be involved in the evaluation of the trial. Once the University has gained sufficient insight into the impact of the tablets on different groups of students, the University will make an informed decision about the provision of tablets going forward. This is just one of the ways UCB is looking to support students, however, if you have ideas of ways the University could support students better during their time at UCB (both academically and non-academically) we would love to hear from you. Please email kickstart@ucb.ac.uk with your suggestions or speak to Emma Richards (First Floor Finance Office).
Tablet Questions
Is it a loan? Do I have to give it back?
No, you do not need to give the tablet back. The tablet is yours and is aimed to support you in your studies both inside and outside the classroom.
If I withdraw from my course do I have to give my tablet back?
No, you do not need to give the tablet back.
What happens if I transfer from Sports Therapy / FdA Professional Studies in Childhood to a different programme?
You do not need to give the tablet back. Please continue to use your tablet to support you in your studies inside and outside the classroom.
What happens if I lose my tablet or it is stolen or accidentally damaged?
You should ensure that your tablet is covered by relevant insurance. Check with your Contents insurer whether your tablet is covered, bearing in mind where you may take your tablet (e.g. to University, on placements etc). Alternatively you can purchase insurance from www.ucb-kickstart.co.uk (using your Kick-Start funds) if you are eligible and have sufficient funds remaining, or using a credit/debit card). You should ensure that you save all your work to the One Drive, so that if your tablet is lost, stolen or damaged you still have access to your work. You are responsible for looking after the device and ensuring that it is in good working order so that it can be used within the classroom and in group and off-site settings as planned by your lecturers. Your tablet will also come with a case, we recommend that you keep your tablet in the case to help keep it secure.
What if my tablet develops a fault?
Your tablet will come with a warranty. If your tablet develops a fault please email
customer.service@ucb-kickstart.co.uk who will advise you on the next steps. You are responsible for looking after the device and ensuring that it is in good working order so that it can be used within the classroom and in group and off-site settings as planned by your lecturers. You should ensure that you save work to the One Drive so that if your tablet develops a fault you still have access to your work.
How will I be supported in using my tablet?
When you receive your tablet it will be pre-loaded with applications that will allow you to get started straightaway. A ‘Getting Started Guide’ will also be included with the tablet; this will walk you through the basic set-up e.g. how to connect to the UCB Wi-Fi. When you are provided with your tablet, training will be provided or you will have the option to attend drop-ins to show you how to use your tablet or to help with any questions/issues you may have.
After teaching begins there will be weekly sessions until Week 5 of teaching, where you can drop in to specialist clinics, to ask questions and seek help and advice regarding the use of your tablet. From November these clinics will be available bi-monthly until May. You can also obtain help and advice outside of these clinics by contacting our ITSU department located on the 8th Floor of the Summer Row building or by emailing customer.service@ucb-kickstart.co.uk
Getting your Kick-Start electronic tablet
When do I collect my electronic tablet?
If you are a Sports Therapy or FdA Professional Studies in Childhood (part-time) student, you should collect your tablet before your induction session. Your induction will contain training on how to use your tablet.
If you are receiving the tablet because you meet the progression eligibility criteria (either from College level at UCB, or one of our partner Colleges/Schools) you will need to attend one of the sessions detailed here:
Other Queries
I have a query that isn’t answered in the FAQs, where can I find out the answer to my question?
If you have a query about your Kick-Start account that isn’t answered here please visit the First Floor Finance Office, Summer Row or email kickstart@ucb.ac.uk with your query. Our team will then either assist you with your enquiry about The Kick-Start Scheme or direct you to someone who can help.