Blackburn College implemented a cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure to improve the student experience. The VDI allows students to access assistive software like MindView from on or off campus. It also enables staff to access internal software externally. Over 1,000 staff and 50 students can currently access resources through the VDI. The College aims to roll out use of the VDI to its over 10,000 students. It is estimated the VDI will save the College $150,000 over three years.

1. Blackburn College – Creating an IT Enabled Community to Improve
the Student Experience
Update
Blackburn College’s Cloud based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure was designed in-
house specifically for the Colleges needs. A number of software packages have been
implemented and most tests have now taken place. Once all the tests are complete
roll out across the College will commence and be heavily promoted to encourage
use by staff and students.
Student Network
Working with the College’s Head of Inclusive Studies and Disability Services the
project team have created a VDI where students can access MindView. This
particular software supports students particularly with learning disabilities and/or
difficulties to brain storm ideas enabling them to structure their essay plans using
diagrams, words or images. This method of studying can also be beneficial to any
student so Blackburn College aim to extend the service beyond the initial pilot to
promote it so that any student can access it.
Access to the student network is authenticated by a 3rd party access gateway
(Juniper).
Student Experience
The student experience will be improved through the increased use and further
development of the VDI service. The College chose MindView which will improve
the lives of those students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the assistive
technology is designed to facilitate access by disabled students and there are plans to
roll out access of the software to all students.
As a widening participation College, Blackburn have a significant number of
students from deprived areas. This cohort of students may not have sufficient funds
to purchase specific software. The VDI service will support the students and enable

2. them to access software vital for them to gain skills and knowledge to succeed in
their course.
Staff Network
Staff can now access internal software such as Microsoft Office and SPSS externally
to the College. Session based desktops are also available which enables software to
be accessed via the student network in classroom settings. Staff are now able to
access a range of software in classrooms across the College which will improve the
quality of teaching and learning.
Key Achievements
 50 students are now able to access MindView software at any one time either
on or off campus.
 Over 1,000 staff members can now access Microsoft Office from their own
home PCs and use staff resources within classroom settings for staff
development purposes.
 The VDI service will support the work of over 10,000 students at Blackburn
College.
 The project has enabled the College to consider its long-term needs regarding
the use of software and the access required by its staff and students.
 Over 1,000 staff and 10,000 students will be able to benefit from the VDI
service.
 It is estimated that implementing the VDI will save the College £150000.00
over three years.
Sharing Information
Blackburn College would be happy to share their experience of developing the VDI
service and the ways in which they have designed the best solution for the College’s
needs. The process would be transferable to other Colleges however the service
Blackburn has devised is specific to their own College systems. Visits can be
arranged with the College.