Chromebooks for kids

Children of staff members across the University of St Andrews have been given free laptops and digital devices to use for home-schooling during the pandemic, thanks to donations from alumni and friends of the University who have supported the Principal’s Strategic Response Fund.

Recognising the challenges of home-schooling, the University purchased more than 100 Chromebook laptops to help staff and postgraduate research students who were unable to source additional devices to assist with their children’s home learning.

All staff members with a school-aged child were encouraged to apply, with laptops being distributed on a first come, first served basis.

University staff member Lucie Randal received one of the 117 laptops distributed: “I am a single parent with three children in Primary school, one with additional needs. Receiving a Chromebook from the University has been extremely helpful to me, not only during the pandemic home schooling, but continuing with homework and into High School.

“It’s replaced our very old, dated and slow laptop, allowing the children to work quickly and with minimal frustration and assistance. It has made all the difference while I’m working from home. I am genuinely extremely grateful.”

Postgraduate research students with school-aged children were also encouraged to apply for a Chromebook, thanks to a £10k donation from Santander Universities.

Steve Watt, Chief Information Officer at the University, commented: “We were delighted to be able to offer Chromebooks to those staff most clearly meeting the criteria who are juggling home-schooling and work. IT Services colleagues have worked hard to issue the devices as quickly as possible to families and we’re delighted to receive such positive feedback, and to hear about the benefits these devices are already bringing.”