University of Redlands
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Email this pageRedlands Receives HP Grant
Contact: Katie Ismael
katie_ismael@redlands.edu
(909) 748-8387 (Phone)
June 12, 2008 -
University of Redlands students will be able to access geographic information systems maps, satellite imagery and other resources while doing outdoor labs and research in the field, thanks to a grant from HP.
The $77,000 grant will be used to purchase 20 HP Tablets – laptop-style devices that can be loaded with geographic information systems (GIS) software, taken into the field and used for a variety of spatial research. A faculty cash award is also included.
The grant, which is part of the 2008 HP Technology for Teaching grant initiative, is designed to encourage professors to redesign courses so that students are taught to use current technology.
Redlands is one of 39 colleges and universities nationwide that received the HP grant. More than 100 elementary and secondary public schools also received grants through the program, according to information provided by HP.
The university's project for the grant, "Increased Effectiveness of Field-Based Courses Through Portable Technology," was proposed by professors Wendy McIntyre and Chris Sinton of the Environmental Studies program.
The professors will outfit each of the tablets with a camera and GPS device to create a field computer station that will provide student access to a wider variety of information and data recording tools.
Students and professors will be able to attach photos, notes and other data using the tablets. They can then return to the classroom and access the information, using it for research, class discussions and presentations. Text-based field reports will be replaced with those that are visual, interactive and map-based.
Initially, the technology will be used in two environmental studies courses, McIntyre said. Students participating in the university's Summer Bridge Program, which targets new students from traditionally underrepresented or at-risk populations, also will use the tablets.
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