Technology Lab Receives New Layout and Defined Purpose

Managing Editor

Photo by Linna Jones

Academic Study-Junior Dayna Moyer prepares her notes for class while looking up information on the internet in the Academic and Research Development Lab. Behind her, first-year students Patricia Adams (left) and Lance Jackson work in the background.

   The Information Technology Department recently renovated the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center’s upstairs technology lab for Academic Study and Research.

   The lab, now called the “Academic and Research Development Lab” provides an area for students to work on research, homework and study.

   The new lab stays open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.

   Upon entering the door of the lab, students will see the current list of rules:

•  “This lab must be used by UAM student for academic purposes only.”
•  “All MP3 players must be turned off prior to entering the computer lab. Both ear buds and headphones must be removed from ears.”
•  “UAM prohibits the use by patrons of cell phones, pagers, MP3 players or similar electronic devices during lab hours. All such devices must be turned off or put on silent mode and cannot be visible in the lab.”
• “Food and beverages, including bottled water, are prohibited.”
•  “Offensive materials, social networking and gaming are not allowed.”
• “This is a quiet zone, persons who are disruptive will be asked to leave immediately.”
• “Disregarding lab rules or disrespecting patrons or staff could result in permanent loss of lab privileges.”

    Bobby Hoyle, director of Information Technology, said the primary reason for the renovation was to create an environment so students can do their research or homework.

   Hoyle talked about how many students over the years came to the IT department requesting a place to do research and to study.

   He described how the new lab gives a more studious environment and quieter area to study in, which makes it easier to study.

   Hoyle described the response to the lab as very positive since the renovation.

   “Several students contacted the work studies as well as Mr. Fendley and expressed their appreciation for an area that they can come and do serious study,” Hoyle said.

   Hoyle said the lab is available to all students. Students must log in using their student computer Id, which is the same as their student e-mail. The only other requirement is  the students need to maintain a studious environment. Cell phones and study groups are prohibited.

   “Students can always step out of the lab to use their cell phones,” Hoyle said. “We are not asking them to give up their cell phones. We just ask them not to use their cell phone in the lab.

Photo by Linna Jones

Quiet environment- First-year students Patricia Adams and  Lance Jackson, sophomore Mahina Powell and junior Dayna Moyer work at the four of the 15 computers in the lab. The lab reduced the number of computers from 25 to 15.

   The printers in the lab will be used for academic work, but within reason; students cannot print books.

    Jerod Johnson, a student worker, described the lab as more peaceful, less hectic, spacious and how the new layout provides space so students are not running into each other. He talked about how he liked the arrangement and how it has helped the students.

   “I like the arrangement better, because it has smaller settings, less people and less noise,” Johnson said. “By there being less computers, there’s less noise, its spacious, (the computers are) word protected so students can go back to their work.”

   “Also a lot of people said they like the set up more, because of less noise and less people. They are able to concentrate on their assignments,” he added.

   The IT Department reorganized the lab for more convenient use, upgraded the computers to their maximum amount of memory they can hold and installed as many software applications that the university has licenses for. The software crosses multiple disciplines so students from different department can do their work effectively. They did this so students can complete as many assignments as possible.

   The IT Department also re-networked the lab completely and ran all new cables for the room. A network is the system that allows users to connect with other computers and the Internet, for example using a network to read your e-mail.

   The IT Department started the renovation in June as soon as the classes were out for the semester and worked on the project through August. They reopened the lab the first week of September. Hoyle spoke with Provost David Ray about the project in May and received approval to work on the renovation in June.

   As a future project, the Information Technology Department plans to equip the computer for multi-media presentations for academic use, such as audio and video.

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