Digital media lab expanded Bigger space, new equipment enhances learning
By Adam Crawford Anderson University has expanded its digital media lab to accommodate a growing number of students taking communication courses. The lab was originally one room on the lower level of Watkins Hall. Over the Christmas break, the lab was extended into an adjacent classroom. Bobby Rettew, assistant professor of communication, said a number of other improvements were made to the lab as well, including increasing the number of computers, adding audiovisual equipment, and installing a sound proof “whisper room” for the recording of narration for videos. Rettew also said the floor was raised to provide space to run computer cables, “We hear about raising the roof, but we raised the floor,” Rettew joked. He said the vision for the room was to create a place where students could not only work but also practice their skills and build community. Robert Reeves, associate professor of communication and chair of the communication department, said the improvements create a much better learning environment. “From a comfort standpoint, it allows people to spread out a little bit more so it’s not as crowded in the room,” Reeves said. “So whether Professor Rettew
The Digital Media Lab in Watkins Hall was doubled in size over the Christmas break to accommodate more digital media students and classes. (Photo by Robert Reeves)
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Trey Newton, a communication major from North Augusta, works on his visual communication skills in the newly-expanded Digital Media Lab in Watkins Hall. (Communication Department photo) is doing demonstrations of how to use cameras or students are just getting together in groups to work, there’s just a little more space to spread out, which is a big improvement.” Rettew said the the expanded lab, which is equipped with 20 iMac computers running the latest Adobe software, is the hub of activity for all of the digital media classes. During the spring semester, it was used for students studying video production, coding, magazine design. and various digital media software packages. “So, basically what we want to do with this room is to make it all things digital,” Rettew said. “It will be a destination for communication students to come in, work on projects, learn, collaborate, work together, and also use it as a production room.” Ryan Gundersen, a sophomore communication major with a concentration in digital media, said the changes have been positive. “After the wall was torn down, there was a lot more room to space out computer stations, as well as add some empty tables that created a more open space for a better learning and working experience,” Gundersen said.
