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RIP the Campus Computer Lab, 1960-2009
theodp writes "When every student has a laptop, why run computer labs? That's a question schools have been asking themselves as computer ownership rates among incoming freshmen routinely top 90%. After only four freshmen showed up at the University of Virginia in 2007 without a computer of their own, the school decided that it's no longer worth the expense of running campus computer labs. Student computer labs have been a staple of campus life since the '60s. So what are the benefits that will be missed as other schools follow UVa's lead?" The university's report notes understanding that "that students need collaborative space where they can bring their laptops and mobile devices to conduct group work, especially as the curriculum becomes increasingly team- and project-based." One of the spaces formerly occupied by computer labs "has been transformed into a technology-rich collaboration area."
I always wonder how would universities (and colleges and libraries) make it easy for users to print documents residing on their laptops.
It'll be interesting to hear from other slashdotters.
I'm always amused to see Slashdotters saying things like "the RIAA needs to adapt to the new reality," or "publishers need to change their outdated model."
Then I come to a thread like this and see the same people defending their own out-dated methodology. Clinging blindly to things they are accustomed to and unwilling to adapt.
sigh...
Cheap storage VM.
>>>wifi for patrons
Are you going to buy me a Wifi modem for my laptop, Mr. Silver Spoon? For that matter, are you going to buy me a laptop??? All I could afford was a minimal desktop PC for $300. You see not everyone is rich, or drives themselves deep-into-credit debt to buy these types of toys.
The campus printing lab is still needed.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall