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Computerized collaborative workstations available at Hale Library: a Q&A with Ernie Perez

Ernie Perez, Instructional Technology Manager in iTAC, recently answered some questions about the new collaborative workstations in Hale Library.  His office builds and maintains all centrally funded technology classrooms and university computer labs.

Q: What’s the purpose of the Hale Library collaborative workstations?

Perez: These units are designed for group work so students won’t have to crowd around one of the computer pods in Hale Library. They are mobile, so they can go where the group goes.

Q: How many units are there in the library? What components comprise a computerized collaborative workstation?

Perez: There are three collaborative units in Hale Library. Two units have a 32-inch LCD monitor and hookups for a laptop, both DVI and VGA, and a six-way audio splitter, to plug in headphones. The third, the iGo system, has a 24-inch iMac with a Mac OS keyboard and mouse, in an all-in-one unit. It’s the only unit with a computer.

iGo

Q: Where did the name iGo come from?

Perez: The name comes from the iGo stand for the computer. To see this and other stands for large monitors and computers visit http://raindesigninc.com.

Q: Who may use this equipment?  What’s the primary target audience? Are there any time limits?

Perez: As with most electronic resources in Hale Library, all K-State library patrons can use the systems. The primary target is students needing collaborative equipment. There are no time limits and they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.


iGo

Q: How hard are they to use?   How does one get started using them?

Perez: The units are fairly easy to use. There are instruction sheets on the monitors explaining the process for connecting a laptop and making it viewable on the screens, and the iGo system is just a click of a button to log in. Students do not need to have an eID to use them.

Q: What’s the recommended maximum number of users per collaborative workstation?

Perez: Four to five users is ideal.

Q: Why is collaboration the hot thing in learning?

Perez: Collaboration is “hot” in learning due to how K-State approaches teams and team projects.  It’s necessary to have some spaces that are useful for teams where they can gather around a computer. Instead of just using a computer and a small monitor, they can use a large screen so that everyone can collaborate.

Q: Where are the collaborative work systems located?  Are more planned?

Perez: One is located on the second floor and one on the third floor of Hale Library. The iGo is also located on the third floor of the library. Currently these are pilot systems, and they will be evaluated later in the semester to determine if we need to purchase additional units.

Q: Can these collaborative workstations be taken to other libraries on campus?

Perez: No, these units need to remain in Hale Library, but you can move them anywhere on the floor where they’re located.

lcd collaborative station

Q: What’s the coolest thing you could say about the workstations, and why would students want to know about this?

Perez: The units bring something new that hasn’t been available before. Where we’ve seen students huddling around one computer station, now students can gather around a team work space, use a larger monitor, and all participate and see the screen.

Q: Were the collaborative workstations funded in part by the student technology fee?

Perez: No. The monies for the collaborative stations came from the Interim Vice Provost for Information Technology Services and the Dean of the Library.

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