Connie Schmidt

cschmidt@mtsu.edu

Connie Schmidt

Instructional Technology Support Center

Open computer labs

LRC 101 (four Dell computers), LRC 101B (dual screen projection system), LRC 101A/101B (computerized

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The Instructional Technology Support Center provides students with University-wide access to 92 computers in three labs (LRC 101, LRC 101A, and LRC 101B) and a graduate multimedia development center (LRC 101S) 72 hours per week. In 2005, student walk-in visits to the labs totaled 20,878 [21% Basic and Applied, 11% Business, 15% Education/Behavioral Science, 17% Liberal Arts, 14% Mass Communication, and 22% undeclared], up 22% from 2004. Faculty from four colleges scheduled 170 one-time training sessions, benefiting 4,080 students. Thirty-one classes were scheduled, enrolling 744 students. Students in our Instructional Media Resources Computer Center (LRC 101) access Voyager and online resources on four patron-access computers purchased in 1998. We propose replacing them with new Dell computers. Instructors in LRC 101B have asked that we replace the single-screen projection system with dual projectors and screens to make it possible to display multiple applications simultaneously. Dual screen projection should improve student acquisition of web authoring and other multimedia skills. Finally, instructors in both of our computer labs would like to enhance student participation through use of a computerized student response system. We propose purchasing a portable system accommodating up to 24 students for use in either lab.