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News Release

June 08, 2007

U of G Wins HP Technology Grant

The University of Guelph is one of four Canadian universities selected to receive a grant from HP Canada to help transform teaching and improve learning through innovative uses of technology.

The grant is part of the 2007 HP Technology for Teaching Program, which is also designed to improve student achievement and encourage interest in careers in technology, engineering, math and science, including environmental science.

U of G will receive an award package of HP products and a faculty stipend to support a pilot project in the Department of Computing and Information Science (CIS). The pilot includes using HP Tablet PCs in first-year seminars geared toward female students from across the disciplines. The CIS initiative is part of a broader campus-wide effort to re-examine and improve the first-year learning experience.

"Tablet PCs will enable the University to revitalize course delivery by enhancing interactive learning in the classroom, and will provide a tool to help facilitate discussion and design work on group projects," said CIS professor Qusay Mahmoud. "Such technology will improve the learning experience and raise the level of excitement and satisfaction."

In total, HP is awarding grants to 10 secondary schools and four colleges and universities this year. Since 2004, it has contributed more than $2 million in HP Technology for Teaching grants to Canadian schools. During the past 20 years, HP has contributed more than $1 billion in cash and equipment to schools, universities, community organizations and other non-profit organizations around the world.

"HP invests in schools because we believe educational achievement is the best way to develop a skilled, diverse workforce for the future," said Geoff Kereluik, HP's vice-president of marketing. "Through programs such as HP Technology for Teaching, HP supports students and teachers, giving them the opportunity to succeed through innovative uses of technology and training."

For more information about the 2007 HP Technology for Teaching Program