(SPARKILL, NY - September 15, 2006) - St. Thomas Aquinas College was selected as one of 40 two- and four-year colleges and universities nationwide to receive the 2006 HP Technology for Teaching grant, which is designed to transform and improve learning in the classroom through innovative uses of technology, announced Dr. L. John Durney, STAC's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
St. Thomas Aquinas College received an award of $69,000 which includes a package of HP products. Each of the HP Technology for Teaching grant recipients will use HP wireless Tablet PC technology to enhance learning in engineering, math, science, computer science or business courses.
The under-representation of women in computer science, and technology in general, has serious consequences, not only for those whose potential goes unrealized, but also for a society increasingly shaped by technology. This grant will help enable the development and delivery of a new approach to teaching the introductory computer science course at St. Thomas Aquinas College. This new course will illustrate the relevance of computer science by using a multi-disciplined approach, emphasize student innovation and creativity and foster a mobile and collaborative problem solving environment.

St. Thomas Aquinas' Computer Science program is known for providing a curriculum which helps to prepare students for careers and future graduate study, while adhering to the liberal arts and sciences tradition. The innovative courses are structured to encourage students to engage in critical thinking, to understand and utilize technology skillfully and to realize that learning is a life-long endeavor.
"The creation of an introductory computer science course that addresses real-world problems, builds connections to other disciplines and allows students to be creative is consistent with the philosophy and reputation of the Computer Science Program," said Dr. Robert Vermilyer, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the College.
"The HP Technology for Teaching initiative focuses on transforming teaching and learning through technology," said Bess Stephens, vice president, Philanthropy and Education, HP. "By integrating mobile technology in meaningful ways into their classrooms, instructors can increase student achievement and interest and prepare them for greater success in the competitive global workforce.
For more information about the computer science program at St. Thomas Aquinas, contact the College's Office of Admissions at 845-398-4100 or e-mail admissions@stac.edu.