Touch Learning Center

Information Commons

Touch Learning Center (TLC)

A joint project of the Central University Libraries and the Office of Information Technology, Southern Methodist University

The Touch Learning Center provides space for faculty and students to test apps and to experiment with the touch computing environment. The TLC is:

• A laboratory to explore the uses of touch computing in the class room and to produce and/or present multimedia projects, for example, staff training videos, conference presentations, etc.
• A classroom for faculty to teach classes using the TLC’s technology and to allow users to learn about touch computing devices
• A place for student, faculty and staff interaction within the touch computing environment

For scheduling requests contact multimedia@smu.edu.

The TLC aims to educate students, staff, and faculty about the technology and to familiarize them with the emerging mobile world using short courses and individual consultation. As the mobile technology world changes and as the needs of our users change, the TLC will change with them.

Currently the TLC houses 15 iPad2s (includes 1 for instructor), 14 seats with tables, and a 70in LED TV monitor.

A list of applications will be available shortly.

The iPads are made available for classroom use only. Units may be used outside of the library but only as part of a scheduled class. iPads must be returned by the agreed upon check in time, which will be approved during the scheduling process.

Currently we don't provide long term storage for files on the iPad. Files will be deleted when the unit is re-synced with the host computer. iCloud or another “cloud” service, such as the Dropbox app, might be used for storage. The Multimedia Center is available to continue working on long term projects.

A staff member will be available the first 10 minutes of your class for checking out of equipment and any question related to the room or equipment. A staff member will return 10 minutes before the schedule end time of the class to check back in any equipment.

The patron using the iPad is responsible for all damages to the iPad. Failure to properly care for the unit, might result in fees. This will be covered by using Voyager to check devices in and out to patrons. Lost or damaged iPads will result in fines up to $800.

Printing from iPads is not currently supported. Printing may be done either by emailing the document to yourself or through dropbox. Patrons may then access their document from any computer in the Information Commons to print.