Loaner laptops, cameras to help veterinary students improve their client skills, a computer lab tailored for video game design -- these are some of the technological improvements that will be funded with $421,000 in student technology fees.
Every year, the Computation Advisory Committee (CAC), a group made up of faculty, staff and students across the university, determines how to spend a portion of the funds collected centrally through the student technology fee. The group looks for projects that broadly impact student computing and represent innovative use of information technology in instruction.
CAC recently completed its review of 2012-13 proposals, making awards to 16 projects. Three of the awards will fund:
- 30 new laptops for a student laptop loan program, sponsored by CAC and Government of the Student Body. Approximately 100 laptops are available for free checkout through Information Technology Services, 1200 Communications Building.
- Installation of 10 video cameras in College of Veterinary Medicine medical exam rooms to record students interacting with clients who've brought their animals to the college. (Both students and clients will be aware of the cameras.) Evaluators will use the video to help students improve their client communications.
- A new computer lab in 141 Pearson for use by students taking computer science courses in video game programming and design. It's anticipated the lab also will be used by College of Design students and other students who need access to equipment designed for intensive multimedia work.
CAC awards also will fund computer upgrades in a Heady Hall lab, loaner laptops with text-to-speech software, new residence hall wireless printers that are open to all students and a variety of other technological improvements around campus. A complete list of projects is available online.
