Computer lab expanded with help from Juan Young Trust
December 1, 2009
Corban’s computer teaching lab has been expanded from 15 to 24 stations, with brand new computers, software, and furnishings including chairs, blinds, and a projector. Corban’s IT department completed the renovation prior to fall semester.
Co-funded by the Juan Young Trust and student lab fees slated for computer upgrades, the fully-equipped Teaching Lab #1 has been accommodating regular business and education classes, training sessions, and individual students — who utilize the lab when classes aren’t in session — throughout fall semester. Darrel White, Director of Development, said, “The faculty also use the lab for student projects, and the new software is providing educational options for students as well as classroom-management tools for faculty.”
White facilitated the grant application process with Juan Young Trust. The organization, which is committed to promoting the education, health and welfare of young people in the state of Oregon, sponsored $15,000 of the $25,000 upgrade. White said Juan Young Representative Scott Klusmann visited the lab on September 11 and “was pleased with the new technology and the improved classroom learning environment.”
Brian Schmidt, Director of Information Services, said “Faculty now have a professional teaching environment for including computer access into their lesson plans.”
IT worked closely with Eric Straw, Associate Professor of Information Systems, to make the lab a flexible teaching environment that meets the needs of faculty and students across the disciplines. Straw said, “‘Brand new this year’ means we have the latest and greatest. And we’ve increased the availability of the lab: It’s open to more people on campus at more times than before. I think it’s a huge step forward.”
Because of the renovation, students not only have more availability to computers in the teaching lab. It has also freed up the separate drop-in lab, which is now dedicated solely for student research and projects.
Corban is applying with Juan Young Trust for a 2010 grant to help purchase a VO2 gas analysis laboratory. This lab would facilitate hands-on-learning experiences for human performance majors with equipment that is essential to their field of study.
By Jenny Hirschfelder, Staff Writer, Office of Marketing & Communications
503-375-7005 | jhirschfelder@corban.edu
