The µTechnician February 9, 2011
2
Volume 106
2
Issue 5
Campus Announcements
Compiled by Christina Cutler Assistant Editor
Wings Night Join KSG for free wings and soda for Kettering students. Time: Today, February 9, 6:30 – 9:30pm Location: Buffalo Wild Wings, 3192 S. Linden Rd. Graduate School Fair Over 20 graduate schools will be in the Great Court to discuss graduate school options with students. Food will be provided during this event. Time: February 10, 11:00am – 2:30pm Location: Great Court Rocky Horror Picture Show A local shadow cast will be performing the Rocky Horror Picture Show this weekend. Come out and support some of our students in this production. Midnight showings will be held on Friday and Saturday nights, with a 4pm showing on Sunday featuring a “Rocky Roulette” cast. Times: February 12, 12:00am; February 13, 12:00am and 4:00pm Location: McKinnon Theater Cost: Tickets: $5, Prop bag: $5 Mayor Walling on Campus Mayor Walling will be discussing leadership and ethics on a campus visit. Time: February 15, 12:20 – 1:20pm Location: Cribathon, AB 2-225 Up ‘Til Dawn: Blazin’ Wings Eating Contest Help raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital while competing with your fellow students for the Blazin’ Wings Eating title for a nominal entry fee. Time: February 16, 12:20 – 1:20pm Location: Great Court
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February 9, 2011
The µTechnician
Page 2
Node Chairs Invade Campus Faculty Seeks to Create Active Learning Environment By Anthony Taylor Guest Contributor Recently, some new chairs have been introduced to the third floor of the Academic Building. The Steelcase node chair was selected by the faculty to replace a number of desk/ chair combinations currently used in rooms 3334 and 3332. The new chair features a base for storage space, a swiveling arm for desk space, casters to make the desk mobile, and a surprisingly comfortable swiveling plastic seat. “Faculty decided that it was a better answer for flexibility in the classroom,” said Dr. Karen Wilkinson, head of the liberal studies department. She and Dr. Bahram Roughani were leaders in the discussion about
new seating. Dr. Roughani said of the new seating, “They’re meant to encourage new teaching styles.” Dr. Roughani went on to say that by implementing the new chair, the school is offering a more active learning environment. Mr. Joseph Asperger, the facilities planner who helped the Faculty Senate find these chairs, explained that he originally sent three options for professors to review. He assured The Technician that the node chair would be comfortable and easily maintained. They have standard parts and an extensive Steelcase warranty. As for comfort, Mr. Asperger said, “People look at the chair and think, ‘That’s the most un-
comfortable thing ever,’ but everyone who sits in it finds it’s not.”
This reporter was able to examine a sample of the new chair and found that it was indeed comfortable. Its design is a little unusual, but that is acceptable given the level of functionality. One feature that stood out is the movable work surface. Although it is convenient and useful, it is not as well suited for left-handed people as it is for right-handed people. It is manageable to write left-handed, but the available positions in which to write are limited. Overall, it seems like an innovative chair that will present an interesting change of pace in the classroom.
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