[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Bates_donation.jpg” caption=”Dean Paul Bates and his wife Sally are pictured with McMaster President Peter George, left, at the unveiling of the newly enhanced classroom in the School of Business. Photo credit: Bob Hodgson”]Students, faculty and staff of DeGroote School of Business got a demonstration of how technology can be used to enhance education on Tuesday when they celebrated a gift from dean Paul Bates and his wife Sally.

The Bates' gift allowed for digital enhancements to a classroom in the School of Business. Upgrades include a customized “smart” podium which allows faculty and students to utilize web-based technologies to learn, touch screen technology, DVD/VHS recorder, built in audio, a document camera, a 360-degree ceiling mounted camera to facilitate broadcast of lectures and classroom activities on the Internet, dual ceiling mounted LCD displays, and other upgrades.

President Peter George said, “Sally and Paul have shown they not only understand the principles of strong leadership, but also firmly believe that leaders lead by action, by commitment and by living to high standards of excellence. Their gift has blazed a trail that others can now follow.”

“These technological and digital enhancements are the new model for classroom upgrades we are planning,” says Bates. “I invite other friends of the university to support similar upgrade programs in other classrooms throughout the DeGroote School of Business.”