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 Trent University Transforms Forensic Science Fieldwork Methods Thanks to HP Canada DonationFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE $80,000 HP Technology for Teaching Higher Education Grant provides HP wireless equipment giving Trent University students world-leading forensics training Tuesday, January 9, 2007 Peterborough Trent University is poised to transform the way forensic evidence is handled in the field, thanks to a generous donation from Hewlett Packard (Canada) Co. to support student training in the Bachelor of Forensic Science degree program. This donation will make Trent the only university in Canada where students learn how to use HP wireless Tablet PC technology when conducting fieldwork, such as crime scene investigations. These portable notebook computers will fundamentally change the way DNA evidence, photos and written observations are handled by electronically linking them immediately at the scene, thereby maintaining the integrity of the data for future use in court. Trent University was selected as one of only four universities across Canada to receive the 2006 HP Technology for Teaching Higher Education Grant, which is designed to transform and improve learning in the classroom through innovative uses of technology. As part of the grant, submitted by Dr. Paul Wilson, chair of Forensic Science, Trent received an award package of HP products valued at more than $80,000. Trent University will use HP wireless Tablet PC technology to enhance learning in Forensic Science by implementing use of these hand-held computers into the Crime Scene Investigation course and Forensic DNA Laboratory course as “electronic forensic notebooks”. Trent faculty will pioneer the adaptation of these computers to facilitate bar-coded DNA sample collection and tracking to maintain continuity of evidence. “This infrastructure will provide our students with state-of-the-art hardware and software training on where the future of forensic evidence collection is heading. Participation in this emerging technology provides an excellent training ground for the Forensic Science students,” commented Prof. Wilson. “A recent test drive of the HP Tablets on a seminar on analyzing blood-spatter evidence was very exciting for both students and faculty involved.” Local computer supplier Microage will partner with Trent and HP in this project by donating set-up and installation services to the University. “The HP Technology for Teaching Higher Education initiative focuses on transforming teaching and learning through technology,” said Lynn Anderson, vice president, Marketing and Alliances, HP Canada. “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.” From 2004 to 2006, HP has committed $36 million (U.S.) in Technology for Teaching grants to more than 650 schools worldwide to support HP’s broader education goal of transforming teaching and learning through the integration of technology. During the 2006-07 academic year, grant projects through the HP program will have an impact on more than 4,000 students across North America. In Canada, 2006 was the first year of the Technology for Teaching Higher Education Grant program, and HP received many interesting and high-calibre applications. The higher education grant program represents a continuation of HP Canada’s longstanding commitment to education in Canada. Between 2004 and 2005, HP Canada donated more than $4 million to education initiatives, including $664,000 in wireless technology, cash and professional development to 16 Grade K-12 schools through the HP Technology for Teaching program. More information about the 2006 HP Technology for Teaching program and grant recipients is available at www.hp.com/go/hpteach. One of Canada's top universities, Trent University is renowned for striking a unique balance between outstanding teaching and leading-edge research. The University is consistently recognized nationally for faculty who maintain a high level of innovative research activity and a deep commitment to the individual student. Distinguished by excellence in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences and increasingly popular professional and graduate programs, Trent is dedicated to providing its students with an exceptional world view, producing graduates who are ready to succeed and make a difference in the world. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River. Together with its satellite campus in Oshawa, Trent draws excellent students from throughout the country and around the world. -30- For more information, please contact: |
