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If
We Build it They Will Come?
 In
a word - yes. When classes began on the Edison campus for the
fall semester, students found a new technology tool available
for their use on the Edison campus. Upon the recommendation of
the Edison
Technology Committee (ETC), and with the help of
Environmental Services and the ITS technical staff, room 060
was converted from the "old" student lounge area to
the Edison Internet Café. On the first day of operation, 57
students, and 20 faculty members dropped by to explore this
new area on campus. On the second day of operation, as many as
21 students at a time were at computers surfing the Web,
checking e-mail, and using Blackboard - nearly a full house of
computer users.
When
entering the Internet café students find a friendly, inviting
atmosphere filled with live plants and colorful surroundings.
Brightly colored stools and a beautiful blue countertop help
to show off the new computers located in the Internet Café.
The 24 computers in the Internet café were funded as part of
the content grant that Edison received last spring and are
designed to give students access to their online,
Web-enhanced, and WebFlex courses. The Internet Café
computers are complemented by 30 additional computers placed
in the Library and Learning Center creating a campus-wide
virtual café for student access to online content.
The student help desk will also be located in the Internet café.
Students will find a friendly staff in the Internet Café
always willing to resolve their "technical
difficulties." Lisa Allred will be in charge of manag ing
the Internet Café and the new student help desk with the
assistance of Edison student workers. Lisa brings to this new
area on campus several years of experience as an Edison
student and as an important stakeholder in Edison's ITS
operation.
The hours of operation for the Internet Café will expand
through fall to become Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am -
8:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, and Saturday from
10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Please visit the Internet Café and encourage students on
campus to take advantage of this new free resource for
accessing online and Web-based course content.
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