by Micheal Malsed
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told that computer labs are going away. Student’s don’t need computer labs; VMs or virtual labs or whatever new technology will replace computer labs; the space can be better utilized for something else; cost centers; etc. etc. etc.
All of this looks outside of the student experience, at least on our campus. Put students in focus; watch what they do; listen to what they need – build it and they will come!
Mike Malsed has been running Student Technology Services at Claremont McKenna College for 24 years and has been observing students in their native habitat all that time. He has developed or redeveloped all of the computing labs and classrooms at CMC, working to make them as conducive to student work habits as possible.