Staff FAQ


Do I need to do anything before I can receive my iPad?
No – we have been working with Deans, Deputy Deans and School Managers to prioritise and coordinate distribution of the iPads. The process for collecting iPads varies between Schools. Your School Manager will advise eligible staff of the iPad collection point for your School.

When will I receive my iPad?
We have a large number of iPads to distribute to staff across all UWS campuses so the rollout will be phased, commencing from 4 February. It is expected that most iPads will be delivered by the start of Autumn session. Deans, Deputy Deans and School Managers have been assisting with prioritising the distribution, including ensuring that staff teaching first year units receive their iPads as soon as possible.

The process for collecting iPads varies between Schools. Your School Manager will advise eligible staff of the iPad collection point for your School.

I am teaching first year unit in first session; will I get my iPad soon?
We understand that it is important that you receive your iPad as soon as possible. Priority will be given to distributing iPads to academic staff who are teaching first year units in Autumn session.

Do I need to sign to confirm receipt of my iPad?
Yes, your School Manager will need you to sign to confirm receipt of your iPad.

Is there a deadline for claiming my iPad?
Whilst there is no specific deadline for eligible staff to claim their iPad, it is hoped that all iPads will be distributed by 31 March 2013.

I am a staff member; does the iPad belong to me or the University?
The iPad remains the property of the University. If you cease employment at UWS, you will be required to return the iPad, along with any other IT equipment such as a UWS mobile phone, blackberry and/or laptop.

Which staff are eligible to receive an iPad?
Ongoing, permanent academic staff members are eligible to receive an iPad. If you are not eligible but believe your role will assist in enhancing the learning experience for first year students through the use of an iPad, you may raise a request for consideration via the Dean of your School.

I am on a casual or fixed term contract – am I eligible?
No, academic staff who are on casual or fixed term contracts are not eligible to receive an iPad. If you are not eligible but believe your role will assist in enhancing the learning experience for first year students through the use of an iPad, you may raise a request for consideration via the Dean of your School.

We are currently working with Schools to determine the feasibility of having a small number of iPads available for loan within each School.

Will new permanent academic staff be eligible?
Yes – ongoing, permanent academic staff members who commence employment anytime in 2013 will be eligible.

What training is available for staff?
There will be a broad range of training options during the year, including a series of School or discipline-specific workshops between March and June. We will notify staff as new sessions are scheduled.

In addition to face-to-face training, you can access a beginner's guide to using your iPad, as well as other blended learning resources at http://www.uws.edu.au/qilt

Is there an online guide for using my iPad?
Yes, you can access Using the iPad: A beginner's guide for information on “Getting started”, “Getting connected” and “Getting the most out of the iPad”.

UWS iPad support is also available through the links below:


When will I be expected to use my iPad in teaching?
The integration of technologies into our curriculum is a work in progress and there will be much variation across disciplines and contexts. We will be working together with staff this year to develop ideas and provide support for using mobile and other forms of technology in teaching. We will start to see increased use of blended and online delivery this year, with a major curriculum renewal program commencing in first year units in 2014.

What about other teaching technologies?
iPads are being introduced to assist staff in the delivery of learning and teaching as our curriculum evolves, and to help give students access to more flexible, mobile learning. However, the iPad initiative is just one part of a broader range of curriculum development activities and technologies already underway in Schools, building on existing learning resources available through vUWS and other sources.

How will iPads affect face-to-face teaching?
Universities globally are addressing the challenges of ensuring learning and teaching are more accessible and flexible. The iPad initiative is just part of a strategy at UWS to provide more flexible study options for students and a blended learning model for all UWS degrees. The use of emerging technologies will complement face-to-face teaching, which will of course remain core to teaching and learning at UWS.

Should I contact the Service Desk if I have a problem with my iPad?
Yes, if you have a technical problem with your iPad, please contact the IT Service Desk via Service Now. Staff iPads are University assets, and all warranty claims for staff iPads must go through the IT Service Desk.

I have a question; who should I contact?
If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please liaise with you School Manager or Submit your query.