The availability of skilled MBA graduates who understand and utilize the latest information technology is a key to the growth of our businesses and other companies across the country. Recent studies reveal that students in technology-rich learning environments show more enthusiasm, have higher attendance rates, develop better writing skills, and display a greater capacity to communicate effectively about complex problems. It's clear that the University has adopted and implemented that mission. The technology advances on campus are helping students manage intellectual resources in ways that are fresh, fun, and rewarding. New computer labs in law and education, for instance, provide roomfuls of the latest PCs where students can pursue independent research or participate in hands-on research courses, such as the law school's Lexis and Westlaw classes.
Technology also enhances learning because it actively engages students in the process.
It is transforming a once silent, solitary endeavor into an increasingly participative, even team-oriented, pursuit. Partnerships for technology Even with proven student outcomes, and a willingness to embrace new techno-tools and adapt curricula, the pace of building a technology infrastructure can be slowed by the practical limitations of budget. The University has been fortunate to have its technology investments augmented with financial support from visionary foundations, businesses, and individuals, who are working with Pitt to create partnerships for technology. Bradford's newest multimedia classroom in Swarts Hall was underwritten by a gift from the DeFrees Family Foundation of Warren, which also provided funding to train faculty in the use of technology and to upgrade campus networking. L.P. Similarly, Frank E. Mosier, retired vice chairman of BP America, gifted the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering with the technology learning center that bears his name.