West Chester University (WCU), a leading institution within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, serves nearly 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students. A significant portion of WCU’s student population includes first-generation college students and Pell Grant recipients. Recognizing the unique needs of their diverse student body, WCU launched their ambitious “Moonshot for Equity” initiative aimed at eliminating institutional equity gaps by 2030.
Beyond tech giants, AI is penetrating traditional industries. In healthcare, AI algorithms assist in diagnosing diseases and personalizing treatments. Financial institutions use AI to detect fraudulent transactions and forecast market trends. Retailers leverage AI for inventory management and customer insights. These applications demonstrate that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a cornerstone of modern business strategy.
At Apporto, we have adopted a matrix that defines the maturity model of candidates for various jobs in the company. Here is the Engineering role maturity model. We give strong preference to those candidates who are in the adoptive or transformative stages.
Identifying the Equity Gap
One of the critical challenges WCU faced was unequal student access to essential technology. Theresa Friedman, Assistant Director of Technical Support Services at WCU, highlighted a troubling statistic: 41% of low-income households lacked laptops or desktops, and 43% lacked reliable broadband internet. Students were often attempting critical coursework on inadequate devices, including smartphones or outdated hardware, negatively affecting their academic success.
Additionally, WCU’s existing investments in traditional computer labs and departmental laptop carts proved inefficient. The utilization rates were exceptionally low, and faculty struggled with extensive IT troubleshooting, detracting valuable time from teaching and learning.
A Strategic Shift for Greater Equity
Realizing the potential for reallocating existing resources, WCU embarked on a transformative project. They converted underused physical devices into a comprehensive device loaner program, ensuring every student could access a suitable laptop for an entire academic year, renewable annually.
To complement this hardware strategy, WCU partnered with Apporto to deliver a seamless, browser-based virtual desktop environment known as RAM Cloud Next Gen. Unlike their previous Citrix-based system, Apporto provided easy access to critical software, including SPSS, SAS, MATLAB, ArcGIS, and SolidWorks, regardless of device type or user location.
Breaking Barriers through Apporto
Apporto’s platform removed previous barriers to equitable technology access. Students could now seamlessly connect to powerful applications from personal laptops, borrowed devices, Chromebooks, or even tablets. Faculty benefited from straightforward LMS integration, streamlined classroom management, and improved virtual office hours capabilities.
Faculty quickly recognized the significant value of the new system. As Theresa Friedman noted, one criminal justice professor was able to reclaim almost a full week of instructional time each semester due to reduced technical troubleshooting, significantly enhancing the learning experience.
Measurable Impact and Adoption
The immediate impact on campus was remarkable. Virtual software usage skyrocketed, faculty adoption increased significantly, and IT support requests decreased dramatically. Students, regardless of their device’s age or capabilities, gained equal footing, creating a genuinely inclusive educational environment.
According to Theresa Friedman, “Students using Apporto have equal footing, whether they’re using a high-end gaming laptop or a five-year-old Chromebook. It’s transformative for equity.”
Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
WCU’s journey demonstrates critical lessons for institutions seeking equity through technology:
- Faculty engagement and personalized training are key to technology adoption.
- Existing resources can be strategically reallocated to create impactful, cost-neutral initiatives.
- Browser-based virtual solutions, like Apporto, significantly enhance accessibility and student success.
WCU’s partnership with Apporto exemplifies how innovation, strategic thinking, and a commitment to equity can transform student outcomes without additional financial burdens. Their story is an inspiring model for institutions everywhere aiming to bridge technology gaps and ensure equitable education for all students.
To learn more about how Apporto can transform technology equity at your institution, contact us today.
