Government supported Microsoft and Intel “Shape the Future<http://www.microsoft.com/publicsector/ww/programs/shape-the-future/pages/index.aspx>” programme for UK Colleges: Subsidised Windows 8 Pro tablet programme with additional start-up funding.
Dr Vanessa Pittard (Director of Technology Policy) is supporting Microsoft and Intel’s programme to enable colleges to provide their staff and students with a range of Windows 8 Pro Tablets and Laptops <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ie/windows/tablets-convertibles> from leading providers (HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Samsung and Toshiba) for as little as £340 or £11 a month. Each device accrues $13 of funding to help with training or upgrading the college technical environment etc to make the project a success. These Windows 8 Pro tablets include Office 2013 and have attachable keyboards, USB ports, Ethernet ports and all of the other requirements of a standard PC, so can be used to genuinely enable Bring Your Own Device<http://www.slideshare.net/Microsofteduk/byod-in-education-18688889> strategies.
This programme is being piloted in the UK through Microsoft and Intel Partner Softcat<http://www.softcat.com/public-sector/education>.
Key Summary Points
· Shape the Future can help colleges embrace and achieve affordable 1:1 computer access to enhance their teaching and learning strategies
· Eligibility criteria for a Shape the Future partnership are:
o The Devices are for the personal use of students (14-19) and the teachers supporting them.
o The PC’s are at least 50% funded with government money: there is Govt partnership
o Globally the programme requires 10k devices over a 12 month period but Softcat have kindly agreed to aggregate this on behalf of UK colleges. This means that colleges can buy as little or as many as they like with no obligations. If you are planning a big project then even better pricing may be available.
· The benefits of a Shape the future partnership are:
o Best price / more affordable 1:1 computing (minimum £40 reduction on standard education cost)
o Flexibility to use the college’s chosen devices (choice of brands and device types)
o A rich and bespoke software image agreed with the college
o Re-investment dollars to support the roll-out of PCs for teaching and learning (additional $13 to re-invest per device purchased)
o A portal for ease of purchase, offering choice, full insurance (Accidental damage, theft, and loss) and personal payment options.
· The advantages the College Student Portal for the scheme are:
§ Voucher code programme driven to ensure that only eligible students can order
§ Option for a separate code for over 19s to make scheme inclusive outside of the StF
§ Students pay monthly by direct debit
§ Fully insured to guarantee the establishment is at no risk of financial loss – no matter what happens
§ 100% paperless, including an EchoSign Hire Agreement between Establishment and Student
§ Rebates available back into the establishment
§ Local resource available to help with the roll out
§ No admin overhead for College: A list of eligible students and their student numbers is the only requirement
§ Option to run Salary Sacrifice and Staff Purchase programmes alongside
For more information, please contact Mike Morris at Microsoft, his details are below:
Mike Morris
Business Manager | Further Education |Microsoft
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> | +44 (0) 7581 132 708 | @FEmikemorris
Regards,
Bernard
Bernard Aghedo
Senior Adviser
Jisc RSC London
07795548600
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