QUB awarded 'Technology for Teaching' grant

The School of Computer Science at Queen's University has been awarded a prestigious 2004 Hewlett Packard 'Technology for Teaching' grant.

A total of seven grants were awarded to European universities, with Queen's the only UK university selected.

The award, which includes $100,000 worth of HP mobile computing equipment, will be used to create a Digital Lecture Theatre and Mobile Computing Suite in the School of Computer Science.

The aim of the project is to explore how mobile computing, in the shape of 'tablet' PCs and PDA hand-held devices connected to a wireless network, can be incorporated into teaching. It is anticipated that the freedom afforded to students by the HP devices will permit greater interactivity in class, both between the tutor and students and between the students themselves.

Dr Lillian Greenwood, from the School of Computer Science, is the Principal Investigator on the project. Dr Greenwood said: "This is an exciting opportunity to provide a state-of-the-art learning environment and will have a dramatic impact on the learning experience of Queen's student. This equipment will allow us to tailor teaching to individual abilities and permit greater use of peer learning."

The Digital Lecture Theatre and Mobile Computing Suite have now been established and the first courses to make use of this new facility will begin in September. Information Services are working closely with School staff on the project and will be considering the possibilities of expanding these facilities across the rest of the University campus.

On receiving the HP equipment on behalf of the School, Dr Pat Corr, head of Computer Science said: "The techniques that will be developed as a result of this award have the potential to be applied across a variety of disciplines within the university. The results could have great significance for the way in which future generations of Queen's students are taught."

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