From its inception in 1996, Project Renaissance has emphasized computer technology as offering not only a useful skill set but also a perspective on individual and group learning and communications. This perspective is addressed as students learn to use such tools as the Blackboard Learning System (BLS) and PowerPoint; as they learn to find, evaluate, and use online sources of information, including through the University Libraries and the Web; and as they learn basic HTML and create their own Web pages as a form of publication.

These classes ensure a uniform level of exposure to technology skills for all students, while still accommodating and challenging both the beginner and the experienced user. Successful completion of the full year of Project Renaissance satisfies the Information Literacy requirement of the University's General Education program

Because of this traditional emphasis on technology, students who live in Mohawk Tower (on Indian Quadrangle), the long-standing home of Project Renaissance, have always led the other quadrangles in terms of the percentage of students who have connections on ResNet, the network for the residential halls. It is not necessary, however, for a student to have his or her own computer to participate fully and successfully in Project Renaissance. Students may access computers many hours of the day at the Information Commons; and there is a Help Desk with experienced professional and student consultants to assist and answer questions. Nonetheless, the vast majority of students in Project Renaissance (96-98%) do choose to have their own computers. In other words, it is less than a necessity, but far more than simply a convenience.