In Review: Scrutinizing our computer labs

Computers are indispensable for Lasallians.

Research, projects, presentations, data collection, and other academic requirements may never be completed unless a student gets hold of a computer and internet connection. DLSU answers to this need by providing computer laboratories all over campus.

Aside from the computer laboratories, the University’s two libraries house “cybernooks” that have more lenient rules on internet use.

There are 27 computer laboratories located in the different buildings, most of which are found in the Gokongwei Hall.  They house around 865 computer units, all have internet connection.

There are still, however, numerous instances when Lasallians find it hard to get hold of an available computer to use the completion of their academic requirements.

On an average school day, only 83 computer units are available all the time for students; most of which are found in the main library while the rest are found at the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall. The other computer laboratories are mostly for class.

User problems

The persistent problems that occur in laboratories are the viewing of pornographic sites and the tampering of desktop systems through changing of background themes or downloading software that delay the performance of the computers.

Rowdy behavior is also a problem. These instances dampen the supposed academic feel of the laboratories.

The cybernook and laboratory computers are also at risk of viruses from students’ flash drives. All the computers have their own anti-virus software, but most of the time, flash drives and other computers still get infected.

According to one laboratory technician, some students purposely infect the computers with viruses. So, even if an anti-virus software is installed in the computers, the students circumvent them to put the virus.

The internet connection in laboratories is also relatively weaker than in Wi-Fi hotspots around the campus. To improve the quality of the connections, the Information Technology Center (ITC) plans to invest in more internet routers. Allan Surla, Information Technology Systems director, also shares of his office’s plan to create more “cybernooks.”

Accessing the different computer laboratories is also a limited privilege for students. Computer laboratories are available only when there are no classes scheduled for the hour. In addition, according to University Student Government (USG) treasurer Austin Uy, most students don’t even know the location of the computer laboratories, especially the freshmen.

This Oct., the USG will launch its Maximize Your Fees Campaign wherein informational booklets will be distributed, and advertisements on the campus’ Green Screen will be broadcasted to increase students’ awareness on the different University facilities they can use. Included in these facilities are the “cybernooks” and computer laboratories

Students pay P716 for computer and internet usage every term, whether they avail of it, so Uy insists that the laboratory policies are there to monitor student use so that every Lasallian has a chance to use the computers.

My Grade vs. My Empire

Technicalities aside, most students in need of computers for academic work have problems with their fellow students. Some computer users just log on to social networking sites while others, who have more academically related works to do, have to patiently wait for them to finish.

As a response, some computer laboratories block popular social networking sites to let students concentrate more on their schoolwork. However, not all laboratories follow such policy.

In the case of the University Library (UL) cybernook where a more lenient set of policies are employed, the computers automatically log off in an hour; most workplaces have no chairs, an indication that students should not hoard the computers.

“This is just a matter of first come and first serve, much like any other facilities on campus like the conservatory.” Russell Tiamzon (II, AB-CAM) defends. Students using the computer for social networking sites do not directly take away from other students the right to use the computers, he adds.

On the other hand, Jessica Obal (IV, AB-ISE) believes that it is quite insensitive of some students who use the computer laboratories to tweet or check their Facebook account especially during the midterms and finals week, when school work tends to double.

She suggests that the laboratory rules should be revised to make sure that students who need the computer for academics are given top priority.

Streamlining

The name says it all. The computer laboratories should primarily be used for academic purposes. The ITC, through the laboratory technicians, should implement stricter policies regarding the use of the computers. Blocking social networking sites and gaming sites shouldn’t only be done during class hours, but also for the rest of the day.

Consistency of rules will make it very clear to students what the real purpose of the computer laboratories is.

The rules that will be implemented should be consistent across all laboratories. If one laboratory doesn’t allow access to a list of websites, all the other laboratories should also follow suit. This is also to ensure that the learning atmosphere in computer laboratories will be as conducive as any study hall found in the campus.

Streamlining the rules in laboratories will increase the control of technicians over the computers. Unnecessary software downloads will be prevented and incidences of viruses infecting the different computer units will decrease.

After all, the students are provided with the “cybernooks” so they access leisure websites of their choice.

The laboratory technicians should also be given the authority to reprimand students who defy both laboratory and school rules. Most of the time, students get away with committing school offenses such as eating and drinking in laboratories because all the technician can do is remind the students of the rules.

The ITC claims that students should also be responsible for the needs of their fellow students. Surla adds that for now, the ITC will post some guidelines to help prioritize the students with academic purposes than students with no academic urgency. These guidelines should eventually be coupled with a more proactive move to ensure that Lasallians, all of them, get what they pay for.