New Comp Classes

New computer classrooms aid learning

By Eric Rose
Staff Writer

This summer during the semester break, new computers were installed in 10 Georgia Highlands College classrooms, replacing the need for students to bring laptops to all their classes.

These computer classrooms are part of a new program designed to enhance curriculum that had previously required students to lease laptops.

The Gateway workstations are more suited to a classroom environment, according to those interviewed. "These computers stay here, they're protected, and there's no damage to them," said LaNelle Daniel, associate professor of English, who teaches English 1101 and 1102 in a computer equipped classroom.

Each room also has a printer that each computer is networked to. This allows students to print their work in class, which is something they were unable to do before.

According to Steve Head, an assistant librarian who teaches Georgia Highlands College Computer Studies, "The student computers work much faster now and the technical problems are fewer." Head said that the new classrooms make teaching FCCS much easier.

All English 0099, 1101 and 1102 classes, some math classes, and many computer classes are taught in the new rooms.

Daniel said one advantage to the setup is that the computers are reset at night so that if they are reconfigured during the day, they will return to default settings the following day.

Another advantage to the new computer classrooms is that the professors are provided with a workstation, which contains the same software as the students'. Under the previous system, professors sometimes had different software than their students.

"These machines all have the latest suite of Microsoft products on them," said Jeff Patty, chief information officer.

Many professors also had trouble using laptops with the overhead projectors. "We adjusted by providing the teacher's station in each of these classrooms," said Patty. "Instructors can login to these machines and use the latest software, and project it using the overhead projectors while in class," he said.

Thomas Ayer, student, remarked, "It's easy because the Internet that Georgia Highlands College provides makes it easy to get most of your work and study guides online."

Student Evelyn Joseph said, "I can send email and do some searching. I'm learning little by little."

Students using the computers log onto the Georgia Highlands College network, and are able to use the Internet, as well as their Floyd account.

Students without home computers are able to do their out-of-class assignments on computers located in the library computer lab and the tutorial center.

According to Karen Porter, vice president of business and finance, the cost for the project was roughly $375,000. The funds came mostly from technology fees, as well as the increase in enrollment. A total of 264 computers, 10 network printers and 10 laptops were bought.

The new computer rooms have lowered technology fees for students by saving them from having to lease laptops. "It's cheaper and better," said student Monisha Smith.

The new computer classrooms are the third phase of the Information Technology Program (ITP). The ITP began with the initial purchase of laptops and the building and installation of the campus-wide network.

"Our curriculum is permeated with technology," said Dr. Virginia Carson, vice president of academic affairs. "We replaced all the equipment so students can get the benefit of the newest equipment," she said.