The newly remodeled CAEN lab in 4440 EECS represents the most recent result of an ongoing effort to transform CAEN labs into very current and up-to-date learning and collaboration environments intended to support instructional technology applications in addition to traditional drop-in computer use. This follows last year's 2230 SRB lab remodeling. The 4440 EECS lab provides a different expression of design intended to focus on group collaboration and active learning.

The College has identified the support of instructional technology as an important area for improvement. Developing facilities that better support teaching and learning is a key part of this initiative. Starting two years ago, CAEN began investigating new lab configuration possibilities with furniture manufacturers and integrators. This effort allowed CAEN to bring its expertise in supporting computing labs to the process. CAEN also sought feedback from faculty and students as to what they felt constituted an ideal work area.

The design in 4440 EECS enables the ability to connect easily to a variety of portable devices, to power outlets, and both wireless and wired data networks. The lab furniture is Haworth Corporation's distinctive Moxie furniture system. This furniture, combined with a 2 ½ inch raised floor (which is also a Haworth product) enables a flexible use of space. Tables positioned at 120-degree angles allow groups to gather comfortably around stations. The TAS chairs from Haworth are not only designed comfortably, they also allow side-to-side movement. Other features of the new lab include a specially designed instructor station with document scanner, multiple moveable whiteboards, and a complete Epson projection system.

The computers in this lab have also been upgraded. The lab now features 22 new Sun Opteron-based 64-bit workstations that run both Windows (32-bit) and Linux (64 bit) operating systems. When the lab is not reserved for instruction, it will be open as a regular CAEN lab.

The 4440 EECS lab can be reserved by faculty for formal course lectures or lab sections during the day. The reservation can be one-time or recurring during a particular semester. In order to provide adequate notice to users who may depend on this lab, CAEN requests at least 48-hour notice to reserve this lab. For additional information on how to reserve this or other CAEN labs, refer to the lab reservations web site.

We invite you to visit this new lab in 4440 EECS. We are eager for feedback from both faculty and students.

New technology equipment in 4440 EECS

• Epson PowerLite 7800p 3500 lumen projector: www.epson.com
• Crestron MP2e Ethernet Control System with A/V switching; Crestron TPS-3000 Isys 6" Tilt Model Touchpanel: www.crestron.com
• Extron VGA autoswitch model SW2 VGA DA2 A (60-297-01); Extron VGA switch w/ audio model SW2 VGArs (60-257-02); Extron audio mixer model MVC 121 (60-572-01): www.extron.com
• Samsung UF-80 Digital Presenter: www.samsungtechwin.com
• Sony SLV-D350P DVD/VCR combo: www.sonystyle.com
• Radio Design Labs ST-PA6 (x2) audio amplifiers: www.rdlnet.com
• TOA H1 (x2) ceiling-mount speakers: www.toaelectronics.com
• Middle Atlantic Products equipment rack model RK-4: www.middleatlantic.com
• Master Solutions VISION5 student computer projection (software): www.mastersolutionus.com