Messenger - Vol. 4, No. 3, Page T-8 1995 On Technology Getting down to business with computers Through the Internet, the information superhighway, business students at the University of Delaware have instant access to stock quotations, company financial reports, bankruptcy declarations and other business-related information. They also can use the latest software packages for business decision-making tasks or presentation of business documents. The College of Business and Economics maintains two student computer laboratories. Associate Prof. Clinton E. White Jr. says CD-ROM databases can be searched electronically for information on such topics as accounting, regulatory policies and auditing procedures. Facilities support group decision-making, too. Students linked together by a computer network are asked to tackle specific business- related problems as a team. "This local network of computers encourages group brainstorming and fosters teamwork, which is so important in the business environment," White says. Community projects often give students an opportunity to apply computer technologies to real business problems. For example, White's students are developing strategies to provide Habitat for Humanity with better access to housing statistics and property title information. The not-for-profit organization provides low-income housing for the needy. Business senior Jodi Erb of Springfield, Pa., Charles Hadley, Delaware '94, of Hockessin, Del., and Gavin Garrison, Delaware '94, of Newark, Del., donated their computer expertise to Project ASSIST, a not-for-profit group that provides educational assistance to children with dyslexia, a learning disability, and others with reading problems. Under White's direction, the three developed a database for tracking volunteers and children more efficiently. "This customized database includes a computer-friendly interface," White says. "Now, staff members can easily search for volunteers available, say, on the weekends."