With the help of a two-year curriculum-planning grant from AT&T, the School of Informatics unveiled a new instructional technology computer complex in Baldy Hall, which will facilitate research and improve the ability to instruct students on technology dealing with information-related processes, communication and library studies.
According to W. David Penniman, dean of the school of informatics, AT&T contributed $80,000 toward the construction of the complex, which is located in the basement of Baldy Hall. The university covered the remaining building costs.
"The total cost of the complex, including equipment, software and site preparation was in excess of $200,000," he said.
According to Neil Yerkey, professor of library and information studies, the complex consists of several computing labs and houses 30 computers in a networking lab designed specifically for student research in networking technologies.
"One feature of the complex is the largest computer classroom on campus," Yerkey said. "The 50 workstations allows students hands-on activities with various software."
Yerkey said the complex also includes a mobile "office complex" with wireless networking capabilities, allowing professors teaching students about the use of technology in business and education to simulate an office environment.
Although the computers offer state-of-the-art cataloguing systems, they only act as virtual libraries, so students from the Department of Library and Information Studies will find no books or other resources typically found in libraries, Yerkey said.
"This laboratory is different from a 'normal' library as it only has tools to teach and apply cataloging and classification principles, instead of books," he said.
In the multimedia lab, students work with Macintosh computers to create video and digital productions.
"My interests lie in video production, so it's really good that we have our own facilities here to pursue our interests, as there's nowhere else - besides the media study department - that have these resources," said John Wong, a graduate student in applied communication.
For now, the complex is primarily used by communication and library and information studies students, but Joseph Woelfel, professor of communication, said the university is looking to expand access to other UB students.
"Besides benefiting the School of Informatics, we are actively working to involve people from other departments and disciplines at UB and elsewhere," said Woelfel.
According to George Barnett, professor and chair of the Department of Communication, the only drawback is the lack of computer programmers to help actualize the ideas students and faculty think up.
"I suggest that all students, regardless of year of study and major, who have programming skills and are looking for hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art computer setting should seek me out," Barnett said.
"Technology evolves rapidly and research interests grow and evolve as well," Penniman said. "The complex will change as the needs of our faculty and students change."
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
