HP Technology for Teaching Grant awarded to FAMU

Chao Li, Ph.D., a faculty member in the Florida A&M University Electronics Engineering Technology program, has been awarded the 2008 HP Technology for Teaching grant by the Hewlett Packard Corporation.

Professor Li was notified that his proposal entitled, “Enhancing Students’ Learning in Electronics Engineering Technology Courses by Using Mobile Tablet PC Technology” would be funded for a total value of more than $77,000.

FAMU is one of three higher education institutions in the state and one of only 44 institutions in North America selected by HP to receive funding through this grant. The company received more than 370 proposal requests.

The grant is designed to support innovative and effective uses of technology in higher education. It includes $20,000 in cash and HP technology valued at approximately $57,000. As a recipient, the electronic engineering program will receive free software from Microsoft valued at $6,720. Technology supported through the grant includes: HP Compaq notebooks and accessories for faculty and classroom, a Hewlett Packard printer and digital camera and multimedia projector.

When asked why he decided to submit the proposal for the grant funding, Li responded: “Along with the faculty members in Electronic Engineering Technology, we face the challenge of using new instructional technology to help improve and strengthen the students’ learning experiences. The HP mobile tablet PC technology provides an innovative way to create a more interactive class environment. It is expected that with these classroom practices in place, student success will increase measurably. We also hope that the technological enhancements afforded by this grant will help produce more African-American engineering technologists.”