Electronic tablets - University College Birmingham

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 Early Childhood Studies students' eligibility criteria

You must be enrolled on BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Year 1.

Progressing from a UCB College course to Higher Education study eligibility criteria

You must be studying a full-time, undergraduate course, from September 2018 onwards.
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, from September 2018 onwards.
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:

Aston Manor Academy
Birmingham Metropolitan College
Cadbury Sixth Form College
City of Wolverhampton College
Dudley College
Halesowen College
Heart of Worcestershire College
Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College
Ormiston Forge Academy
Q3 Academy Tipton
Washwood Heath Academy
Sandwell College
South and City College

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 Sophie Taylor (Student Services).

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 / Early Childhood Studies 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). 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 and you will receive a ‘Getting Started Guide’ to walk you through the basic set-up (connecting to UCB Wi-Fi etc.)

You can obtain help and advice by contacting our ITSU department located at Camden House or by emailing customer.service@ucb-kickstart.co.uk.

How will I receive my electronic tablet?

If you are entitled to an electronic tablet you will receive information about how to obtain it once you have enrolled.

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 Student Services, 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.

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