More Computers for Students in New UWired Commons

Students looking for a computer to use need go no farther than the second floor of the Odegaard Undergraduate Library. There they will find expanded computing facilities in the new UWired Commons opening Autumn Quarter.

Carving the Commons out of existing library space meant relocating thousands of books before construction could take place during the summer. Now, with 240 computers, the Commons is by far the largest general access student computing center on campus.

"This fine facility will serve many students," says Fred Campbell, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education. "It has been made possible by the combined contributions of equipment purchased with funds from the student technology fee, space from the University Libraries, and staff support from the administration."

Sharing More Than Information

Students should reap the benefits of having the largest drop-in computing center on campus in close proximity to the UWired Collaboratory and the faculty Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology. Such physical proximity creates opportunities for sharing staff and resources among these different facilities says Louis Fox, associate vice provost for undergraduate education.

In addition, Fox sees locating the Commons in the library as particularly advantageous. "An 'information commons' is more than just a computer lab where you can get help when you are having trouble with the software," he says. "Students can consult not only with computing professionals, but with librarians--the campus information experts--who can help them think of research strategies that include traditional print as well as online resources."

Building on a Collaborative Effort

The Commons is part of UWired, a collaborative effort of Undergraduate Education, University Libraries, Computing & Communications, and UW Educational Outreach. This nationally recognized program helps to integrate the use of technology into teaching and learning.

UWired has grown from a program focused on a few Freshman Interest Groups to one that reaches most of the freshman class and includes upper division and graduate-level components. Other current UWired activities include:

Working with UW faculty to develop courses that use information technology
Building model facilities for technology-enabled classrooms
Designing an online and hands-on program for the state's 50,000 K-12 public school teachers
Collaborating with community college faculty

UWired also recommends computer configurations for students, and works on distance learning and other UW outreach efforts.

A New Synergy With the Computing Resource Center

As part of the UW's effort to provide student use of technology, the UWired program is also assuming management of the Computing Resource Center (CRC) in Suzzallo Library. The Commons will complement the facilities provided at the CRC, enabling more students to use technology in pursuing their academic activities and goals.

These two UWired facilities will evolve with a common technological base, providing a rich learning environment for student work.

"C&C continues to provide the underlying technological support," says Fox. "But administratively the Commons and the CRC are under UWired, which is the umbrella for a wide range of teaching, learning, and technology activities--as well as facilities--on campus."

An Inside Look

[Photo:
Virtual desks, chairs, and computers in the UWired Commons.]

This is one view of the Commons from the virtual tour on the UWired home page.

The Commons is open the same hours as Odegaard Undergraduate Library. Its layout maximizes the use of the space while providing a good working environment. At each individual workstation, you can expect to find:

A wide variety of general-purpose software, including word processors and spreadsheets
Web browsers and email access
Library databases and other networked information resources

You can take a virtual tour of the Commons via a quick-time movie on the UWired Web page at www.washington.edu/uwired/

If you have questions about the Commons and the resources available there, or want to reserve the Collaboratory, call 616-7173 or send email to uwired@u.washington.edu

University of Washington Computing & Communications
Windows on Computing, No. 20, Autumn 1997
newsltr@cac.washington.edu