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