EDUCAUSE | EDUCAUSE CONNECT - The Myth about the Need for Public Computer Labs - Comments

Another Value for Public Computer Labs

Gary Kidney (Rice University) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 08:15:35 -0500

Public computer labs are often about more than just access to computers and software. Typically, they are the site at which information technology services touch the students - a place where students can request and get help from IT professionals, student workers, and fellow students. In some institutions, teaching assistants will often provide tutorial or help hours within public computer labs. One should not forget the value of these "high touch" activities when balancing the public labs question.

Not just a have/have not issue

David Consiglio (Bryn Mawr College) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 06:16:04 -0500

While the authors largely couch the need for public computer labs as an equity issue there is evidence that the need extends well beyond students personal ownership of computers. I have worked with the Merged Information Services Organizations (MISO) survey for three years. The 30 participating institutions are mostly top liberal arts colleges. In our survey, well over 90% of all students own their own computers. Yet despite this nearly universal computer ownership students overwhelming named public computing labs as the most important service our organizations provide. This may be related to printing, or access to specialized programs, or as some focus groups have suggested simply because students prefer to do their academic work in public labs. Whatever the reasons may be, it seems clear that public computer labs are important to students whether they own a computer or not.

The Myth about the Need for Public Computer Labs

ckeller — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 17:15:11 -0500

The authors make the argument that there still is a need for schools to provide computer labs for students.