New computer lab in Powell opens
Tech Commons offers state-of-the-art equipment on Macs and PCs
Laura Butler
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
Eastern President Doug Whitlock said the commons illustrated how students can make a difference on campus.
"We want student input to make our students successful in their academic endeavors," Whitlock said. "The Tech Commons is the latest in a series of technological jewels on our campus."
Sophomore computer science major Josh Fry and freshman Jeffrey Faulkner discovered the lab a few weeks before the fall semester ended.
"We found the lab by accident back in December, but we come here all the time now. It's roomy and a lot less crowded," Faulkner said.
Fry agreed saying, "This is a lot better than the SSB space-wise, and the Internet is quicker than in the dorm. It's really convenient to go over to the food court and eat, and then pop right over to grab a computer and hang out."
In addition to more computers and larger workstations, the facility added couches and chairs, several 22-inch plasma computer monitors at group workstations and a large overhead screen and projector that can be used for gaming and movies. The center also welcomes food and drinks in containers.
"This is their [student's] facility. We want them to feel comfortable using it. It's a workable, functional space to open a book and work together," said Charles Woolum, supervisor of Tech Commons.
Students can also reserve club and group meetings in the conference room, a space complete
with state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment that allows communication across campus and worldwide.
A new style of classroom is also located in the Tech Commons.
The classroom is equipped with computer tablets for individual use or group work, and an overhead projector to display work from the tablets to the entire class.
In the basement is a new store that offers printing and binding services, the Paper Jam.
Students can visit the Paper Jam for copying, printing, laminating and mounting needs.
"It's like a mini Kinko's on campus," Woolum said.
Eastern students receive a 20-percent discount on any class-related projects.
The facility will be open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"We want student input to make our students successful in their academic endeavors," Whitlock said. "The Tech Commons is the latest in a series of technological jewels on our campus."
Sophomore computer science major Josh Fry and freshman Jeffrey Faulkner discovered the lab a few weeks before the fall semester ended.
"We found the lab by accident back in December, but we come here all the time now. It's roomy and a lot less crowded," Faulkner said.
Fry agreed saying, "This is a lot better than the SSB space-wise, and the Internet is quicker than in the dorm. It's really convenient to go over to the food court and eat, and then pop right over to grab a computer and hang out."
In addition to more computers and larger workstations, the facility added couches and chairs, several 22-inch plasma computer monitors at group workstations and a large overhead screen and projector that can be used for gaming and movies. The center also welcomes food and drinks in containers.
"This is their [student's] facility. We want them to feel comfortable using it. It's a workable, functional space to open a book and work together," said Charles Woolum, supervisor of Tech Commons.
Students can also reserve club and group meetings in the conference room, a space complete
with state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment that allows communication across campus and worldwide.
A new style of classroom is also located in the Tech Commons.
The classroom is equipped with computer tablets for individual use or group work, and an overhead projector to display work from the tablets to the entire class.
In the basement is a new store that offers printing and binding services, the Paper Jam.
Students can visit the Paper Jam for copying, printing, laminating and mounting needs.
"It's like a mini Kinko's on campus," Woolum said.
Eastern students receive a 20-percent discount on any class-related projects.
The facility will be open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
