As of 2014, all first first-year students will be required to either have a laptop or tablet, the university said.
“UJ has for the last two years prepared for a mobile-rich educational future. Infrastructure, learning resources and interactive systems have been aligned to this vision,” UJ said in a statement.
“Technology will be an integral part of UJ students’ learning process and with this, UJ graduates will have the competitive edge and be able to vie for top positions nationally and internationally.”
According to the university, the devices will allow students and staff to access the UJ one-click portal – a platform that would give students access to learning tools such as electronic resources, open access textbooks and learning guidelines.
The university has prepared the necessary infrastructure with suitable applications for students to efficiently access learning and administration resources and interactive systems. Campus-wide wi-fi connectivity and charging points would also be available.
Additionally, UJ has negotiated a deal with a service provider, offering a special rate to students buying a tablet.
The first phase of the digital learning crossover will focus on 2014’s first-year students, but UJ said it would later be implemented with students who were already registered.
Meanwhile, the media reported in November that UJ would increase tuition fees by 9,5 percent in 2014.
According to the university’s website, the current university fee for undergraduate studies range from approximately R24 000 to R42 000, depending on the type of degree.
