New computer lab can morph to fit its users' collaborative needs

David Schwartz, a lecturer in computer science, speaks at the Sept. 27 opening of the CL3 Lab in Uris Library. With dual screens and keyboards, each computer table in the innovative lab allows several students to work together. If necessary, the wheeled tables can be rearranged into small groups. Frank DiMeo/University Photography

By Bill Steele

An innovative "shape-shifting" computer lab in Uris Library will enable groups of students to collaborate more easily in finding a place in front of the screen. Although already open, the lab was formally dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 27.

Each of the nine computers in the Cornell Collaborative Learning Computer Lab --CL³ for short -- is mounted on a curved table about 6 feet wide, with two side-by-side displays and two keyboards. The tables are on wheels and can be rearranged to accommodate groups of up to eight who all can see each other's screens. The computers' Internet connections are wireless, so that as the tables are moved around, the only cables to worry about are the power cords. Outlets in floor boxes allow the tables to be moved anywhere.

The idea for the flexible arrangement came largely from a course in computer game design taught by David Schwartz, a lecturer in computer science. The course brought together programmers, artists and musicians to collaborate on game creation. In the old-style lab where the class first met, it was common to see half a dozen or more students clumping around one screen.

Once the idea of a lab designed to encourage collaboration was advanced, faculty in other areas, such as art and multimedia, expressed interest. Eventually the lab became a cooperative project of the Cornell Library, the Department of Computer Science, Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) and the Faculty Advisory Board on Information Technology.

Schwartz worked closely with library staff and CIT's Academic Technologies group in developing the concept for the lab, which he originally proposed in a Faculty Innovation Technology grant. He credits key elements of the design to a two-hour brainstorming session with Daisy Fan, Cornell assistant professor of computer science.

"Students often find 'sardine-packed' computer labs rather daunting and not conducive to group work," Schwartz said. "As a result, such intense environments adversely affect student diversity in many technical studies." Schwartz points out that some studies have shown traditional technical-learning environments may dissuade women and underrepresented minorities from pursuing careers in computer science and engineering.

Provost Biddy Martin agrees. "I remember when people thought computers would lead to total isolation," she said at the dedication, noting that the prediction was wrong, and young people had found ways to use computers to foster communication. "I hope that greater interaction might attract more young women," she said.

Schwartz and other researchers plan to study the effectiveness of cooperative instructional models for science, mathematics and technology in improving student motivation, learning and retention.

"We're looking at a research experiment," he said. "In a year or two we'll see what works and what doesn't, and then we may come to the university and say, 'We want more of these.'"

Available peripherals at CL³ include scanners and color printers, as well as digital-video recorders and digital cameras that can be borrowed for 24-hour periods. The computers are loaded with the software applications most users need for multimedia projects, including Premiere, Photoshop, PageMaker, Dreamweaver, Flash, Sound Forge and 3D-StudioMax. Wireless Internet service also is available through Cornell's RedRover network.

Schwartz's game-design class meets regularly in the lab, and members of the Cornell Economics Society use the facility to produce their peer-reviewed journal and special-interest magazine, The Visible Hand. Architecture students have borrowed cameras for field trips to New York City. There are plans to use the lab for courses in digital arts and graphics and music.

CL³ is available for use whenever classes are not scheduled. The lab is open seven days a week; hours are posted on http://cl3.library.cornell.edu.

Users who want to reserve a workstation for a particular day and time can complete an online reservation form at the CL³ Web site or call the lab at 255-1455. Faculty members who would like to use the lab for classes or workshops should contact Tony Cosgrave in Olin-Uris reference services, 255-7148, ajc5@cornell.edu.