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)
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
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 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 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
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/