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The present generation of college students are digital natives; their world is one where technology is pervasive. The 2004-2005 surveys of student computing at Stanford University reflect the indispensable role of computers in students' lives. The survey reveals that students use computers not only for critical academic purposes, but also for the purposes of social interaction, entertainment, and information. So central has technology become to students' lives that some students commented that being without their computer was literally unimaginable to them.
Information technology has also become an important factor in maintaining the programmatic identity of the residence halls as living/learning environments. As academic programs have evolved to incorporate computing resources in the teaching, research, and learning process, the need for specialized technology in academic theme residences has grown. Language and culture theme residences too can benefit from customized hardware and software.
Given the increasing centrality of technology to every aspect of the college experience, Residential Computing has identified certain key areas in which to enhance the current services it provides to students in the residence halls. The broad areas are those of in-room network connections, computer clusters, and computer support.
The current port-per-pillow standard for network connections does not take into account what might be called the "laptop revolution." Increasingly, students are moving away from desktop computers toward laptops; over 77% of students (and nearly 90% of freshmen) have laptop computers. Recognizing that students need network connectivity even on mobile computing devices, ResComp believes that wireless technology must be implemented throughout the residences. Survey results, anecdotal evidence, and comparisons with peer universities all demonstrate the great demand for pervasive wireless connectivity. At the very minimum, common areas such as dining rooms and lounges should have wireless access available. For reasons of security and speed, wireless technology must be a supplement to rather than a substitute for the current wired standard.
ResComp is actively engaged in seeking avenues to expand wireless access throughout the residences. At present about 20% of the residences have some level of wireless access provided by ResComp. Additionally, some row houses that have recently undergone CIP renovation have had wiring in place to add wireless access points when funding is available. Until a budget structure is in place for University-sponsored wireless access throughout the residences, ResComp also supports students who bring their own access points to campus. Based upon survey results, about 9% of undergraduates and 17% of graduate students have their own access points.
Despite the near universality of computer ownership, 69% of undergraduate students and 49% of graduate students say they use residence computer clusters. Printing and a study space away from the room were the most commonly cited reasons for using the clusters. Other reasons include convenient location, computer availability, and required software. These results provide compelling evidence for the argument that even with computer ownership reaching full saturation, there is still a need to provide computer clusters in the residences.
To ensure optimal functionality, ResComp has drawn up a list of standard specifications for cluster spaces. Many of the existing clusters meet these standards. Efforts are underway to bring the remaining clusters up to par. A time table is being developed and the goal is to implement the time table in concert with the Residential and Dining Enterprises master plan for housing operations.
The RDE master plan also furnishes an opportunity to implement some desired improvements in cluster functionality, and even to rethink the nature and purpose of technology spaces in the residence halls. The necessity for such rethinking is evident from both survey results and simple observation of the current state of educational technology. On the list of desired improvements for technology spaces are: (a) more support for laptops, e.g. shared displays, wireless networking, laptop-friendly furniture; (b) color printing; and (c) multimedia production equipment such as for video editing.
(a) Laptop-friendly furniture is part of ResComp's standard specification for cluster spaces, and has also been incorporated into the CIP standard. But in addition to furniture, ResComp is eager to provide the technology that will transform clusters from rooms with individual workstations into spaces for both individual study and collaborative learning. For the latter purpose, wireless networking is a necessity. In addition, ResComp is exploring the possibility of expanding TeamSpace technology, already available in Meyer Library and Wallenburg Hall, to the residences. Multimedia equipment such as LCD projectors and screens is currently available in certain residences, and can be checked out at the ResComp office for use in others. But demand has outstripped supply, and ResComp believes that such equipment should be standard in all residence halls.
(b) ResComp has begun exploring the possibility of providing color laser printers in the residence clusters. Currently color laser printers are available on a pilot basis in four undergraduate residences: Schiff (serving Freshman-Sophomore College), Toyon, Roble, and Donner. A fifth color printer will shortly be available in the Escondido Village 116a cluster, enabling graduate students to participate in the pilot. Should the pilot prove successful, ResComp will incorporate color printers in its replacement cycle, phasing out the grayscale laser printers currently in use.
(c) ResComp has provided each computer cluster with a scanner. Previously, these were available only in the dorms, not in row houses. ResComp has also stayed with its policy of purchasing high-end machines for the residence clusters. The fast processors and large hard drives of current Macintosh models in particular make them suitable for multimedia production work. iMovie software is also available on cluster Macs. In addition, ResComp is considering revising its current model, reducing its installed base of full-featured computers (perhaps replacing them with thin clients) and using the budget savings to provide dedicated multimedia stations.
ResComp's model for deploying and supporting technology in the residences has also evolved to accommodate the changing academic needs of various residences. For example, the recent designation of Potter House as a residential college with a research focus has led to a redesign of the cluster space. Potter College now has a technology space that combines traditional cluster functions with room for collaborative study as well as an area with a projection screen for small group presentations. To take another example, in Florence Moore Hall, the SLE program, with ResComp support, has created a "smart lounge" which can serve as a multimedia classroom, but can also be used as a space for dorm movie nights or other technology-enhanced social activities. For spaces that do not have such technology built in, ResComp has LCD projectors, a screen, a DV camera, and other equipment that can be checked out by the RCC for use in the residence halls.
These examples point to the need for ResComp to respond swiftly and with flexibility to the diversity of residential students' living and learning environments. The ultimate goal is to move away from a one-size-fits-all cluster model to a model tailored to the unique identity of each house. To take language and culture theme houses as an example: the software builds could incorporate language learning tools, foreign-language versions of the operating systems, etc. If Stanford has a study abroad program in the focus region of the house, teleconferencing equipment could be made available so that residents could communicate in real time with their peers in the target country. In this way, the computer cluster can play an active, transformative role in the living and learning environment.
The RCC program is one of ResComp's greatest strengths. The talent, dedication, and resourcefulness of the over 100 student workers in the residences are of immeasurable value in enhancing the residential technology environment. As technology has continued to evolve, the RCC's role has taken on a greater importance. One recent change in the RCC program that responded to this increasing importance was the placing of an RCC in every row house. As students by and large become more familiar with technology, and as processes such as automated in-room registration continue to improve, the RCC's role is less that of pure technologist. Rather, the RCC is more of an educator and facilitator. The RMC (Residential Multimedia Consultant) programs in place in Sterling Quad, Florence Moore Hall, and Toyon Hall furnish an example of this evolving role.
Another example is the introduction of a new multimedia-focused course, CS2C, in some residence halls. CS2C covers the basics of sound editing, image editing, video editing, PowerPoint presentations, and web page creation. Hourlong lecture/demonstration classes are taught in the residence computer cluster by the RCC. Demand for this class has been high, and it seems likely that the program will be made available to additional residences in future years.
In conclusion, ResComp as a department is prioritizing the delivery of adequate and appropriate technology to the residence halls, taking into account the changing needs of a new generation of digital natives. The three traditional functions of the department: in-room network connections, computer clusters, and computer support, all are being enhanced and transformed by new initiatives in response to emerging trends. Through these initiatives, ResComp hopes to be a proactive shaper of the learning communities in the residence halls.