The Death Of The Computer Lab

Computer labs have been a staple of colleges and other institutions of learning for quite some time.

But the static rooms filled with rows of computers are seen as an archaic setup now that most  of students own laptops.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that labs are beginning to be phased out and replaced with much different spaces:

Institutions agree that computer labs, much like student centers and libraries before them, are due for an extreme makeover. That is why several technology officials contacted by The Chronicle believe in creating work spaces that hardly resemble the computer labs of the past.

These new spaces might be lounges filled with modular furniture and plasma televisions; virtual labs that give remote laptops access to software; or bigger, better computer rooms with state-of-the-art machines and pleasing architecture that can act as de facto student centers. Fortunately for young caffeine addicts, nearly all officials interviewed said they planned to let students drink and eat while typing away—something that has long been forbidden in traditional computer rooms.

Chronicle of Higher Education: “Rebooted Computer Labs Offer Savings for Campuses and Ambiance for Students”

[via Stephan's Lighthouse]