North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) has announced the Aggie Mobile Program — Unlimited Possibilities (AMP-UP), a groundbreaking initiative backed by an $8 million investment in Apple hardware and software. This significant collaboration with Apple is designed to fuel innovation among faculty and empower first-year students with cutting-edge technology.
Recognizing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, AMP-UP aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure all students have access to essential computing resources, regardless of their financial backgrounds. This program is not just about providing devices; it’s about elevating the entire educational experience at N.C. A&T through a university-wide mobile learning platform. A pilot program is set to launch in January, with assessments planned to guide future expansions.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Beryl McEwen emphasized the transformative potential of AMP-UP: “This project will empower both faculty and first-year students with tools that allow them to easily incorporate and integrate innovation into their existing learning, creativity, and research activities across all disciplines.” She specifically highlighted mathematics, noting the program will provide tools for enhanced learning, from tutoring resources to augmented reality visualizations.
Each first-year student and faculty member participating in the pilot program will receive a comprehensive technology package:
- iPad Air (64GB): A powerful and portable device for learning and creation.
- Apple Pencil: Enabling digital note-taking, annotation, drawing, and markup to enhance engagement and productivity.
- Smart Keyboard Folio: Providing a seamless typing experience for increased efficiency in study and work.
- AppleCare+ for Schools: Ensuring access to reliable technical support. This AppleCare program at NCAT offers peace of mind and minimizes disruptions, providing comprehensive service and support directly through Apple, tailored for the educational environment.
- Apple Professional Learning Specialist: Dedicated expert support for a year to assist educators and students in maximizing the potential of Apple technology in teaching and learning.
- Project Engineering and Project Management: Ensuring smooth implementation and ongoing success of the AMP-UP program.
This technology investment extends beyond traditional classroom use. AMP-UP is expected to streamline university operations and reimagine essential student services such as orientation, advising, and career services. The initiative directly supports N.C. A&T’s 2021-22 strategic priorities, focusing on evidence-based strategies to improve student outcomes and implement key operational improvements.
Dr. Audrey Dentith, director of the A&T Center for Teaching Excellence, highlighted the pedagogical advancements enabled by AMP-UP: “This effort will support innovations in teaching methods and practice, and will include ways to successfully engage learners from all backgrounds. This technology will inspire faculty to imagine new ways to connect with students and energize their teaching for greater learning outcomes.”
The pilot phase of AMP-UP will commence in Spring 2022. Faculty in the pilot group will receive their devices before the end of the Fall Semester, and participating first-year students will receive theirs before the Spring Semester begins.
AMP-UP is funded through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), part of a larger $21 million investment in student success initiatives at N.C. A&T. This broader investment also includes free textbooks, dining and housing scholarships, and free summer tuition, demonstrating the university’s commitment to holistic student support.
For more details about this innovative program, please visit the AMP-UP website.
