Hughes Residential College at the University of Central Arkansas recently received several new pieces of equipment that will be used to integrate technology in the classroom.
More than 500 UCA students annually will benefit from a new Sympodium, an interactive lectern that allows images to be projected onto a screen, as well as a new computer, digital projector and screen. All of the equipment is being provided as a part of UCA?s Title III activities. In 2002, the U.S. Department of Education granted UCA a $1.7 million, five-year Title III Strengthening Institutions grant. The aim of the grant is to increase student learning and improve retention rates.
UCA?s Title III directors believe the technology will have a positive impact on students taking courses in the classroom. A similar initiative was completed in recent years in Minton Residential College, resulting in 84 percent of those students earning grades of C or better.