The Future of Computer Labs Presented by the TWU Students Advisory Committee for Technology (StudentsACT) Spring 2015 Tech Talks.

The Future of Computer Labs

Presented by the TWU Students Advisory Committee for Technology (StudentsACT)

Spring 2015

Tech Talks

Why computer labs? (or who cares?)The majority of today’s learners:● Favor active, participatory, experiential learning● Highly social, both face-to-face & online● Digital natives (or at least digitally savvy)● Time is constrained: commuters, part-to-full-time work,

families● Rely on the internet & peers for information

How computer labs can meet students’ needs● Specialized hardware and software● Places to study and socialize Brill et al.

(2007)

Oblinger (2006)

How are our labs used?

Current Use Survey Results

Current Use Survey Results

45% of respondents use the Library & Megalab as primary labs

Between 8-12% use Houston lab, Dallas lab, Student Union labs, Dorm/Dept labs, & ASB 107

85% found lab hours adequate to meet needs

We’ve seen a big shift toward portable devices. Students no longer want to be tied to a computer lab to complete their

work. Rather, they want the ability to work

from anywhere, at any time.

Bob Dively,Exec. Dir. of Operations & Infrastructure

Columbus State University

Student Portable Devices

Dahlstrom & Bichsel (2014)

Portable Device Spaces

Lounge Spaces

Work Stations

Portable Device, Lounge & Work SpacesPotential Benefits● Meet student needs● Enhance reputation

& visual appeal● Free-up support staff● Reduce cost of

computer refreshes

Potential Roadblocks● Start-up costs● Lack of space● Infrastructure

limitations● Institutional Culture

Virtual Computer Lab

Image from Apache VCL: https://vcl.apache.org/

Virtual Computer LabPotential Benefits● Expand services to

100% online students● Reclaim space● Provide 24/7 student

access to software● Free-up support staff● Reduce cost in

computer refreshes

Potential Roadblocks● Hardware startup

costs● University culture● Software licensing

restrictions● Security

Innovative Learning Spaces

Innovative Learning SpacesPotential Benefits● Meet student needs● Greater student

learning outcomes● Enhance reputation

& visual appeal● Free-up support staff● Reduce cost of

computer refreshes

Potential Roadblocks● Start-up costs● Lack of space● Infrastructure

limitations● Institutional Culture

Other Possibilities● More Macs● Color

printing● Air printing

Image from www.treehugger.com

What is the future of computer labs?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/twulabs

You tell us!

ReferencesBrill, Rick, Brian Burchett, John Hendersen, Susan Simkowski. (2007)“Are computer labs becoming passé?” University of Wisconsin System. Retrieved from:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.educause.edu%2Fir%2Flibrary%2Fpdf%2FMWR07095B.pdf&ei=zs_7VLnUNcK-ggTqx4DQDQ&usg=AFQjCNHV0BTzezyxDertO2Yv3gDepnaiTg&sig2=s3R9x3mkLFuFgoAqOMZIqw&bvm=bv.87611401,d.eXY

Dahlstrom, Eden, and Jacqueline Bichsel. ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2014.

Research report. Louisville, CO: ECAR, October 2014. Available from http://www.educause.edu/ecar.

EDUCAUSE on campus. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://net.educause.edu/Elements/Attachments/EOC/EoC_Future_of_Computing_Labs.pdf

Oblinger, D. G. (Ed.). (2006). Learning spaces. Retrieved from: http://www.educause.edu/research-and-publications/books/learning-spacesMost images courtesy of Steelcase: http://www.steelcase.com/resources/space-planning-ideas/

Spring 2015

Tech TalksUp Next:

April 23Your Health: The Next Wave of Personal TechnologyTWU Technology + TWU Fitness & Rec

2:00 p.m. in ACT 301 with videoconference to Dallas 8720 and Houston 7305