OISE welcomes sleek new Tech Lounge at grand opening
October 7, 2011
Special to OISE
The OISE community has a great new place to go to get the latest in technology and services for research, teaching and learning, or just to relax. The Education Commons unveiled its' sleek new Tech Lounge at a grand opening on Thursday, October 6, replete with speeches, cake, and even a ribbon-cutting ceremony to an appreciative crowd of students, faculty and staff.
The new facility boasts state-of-the-art features, including social, quiet and collaborative spaces, modern computer labs with PCs and MACs, smart technology classrooms, individual help, e-learning strategies and support, consulting services, and is mobile device friendly too.
The lounge, which was designed mainly with the needs of students in mind, is a product of the commitment of many people throughout the Institute, and, was completed in record time - only 16 weeks from start to finish, according to Ed Commons Director Laurie Harrison. The excitement of students was palpable as they explored every inch of the new space, exclaiming over each item of technology and furniture. In the near future, the OISE Library will soon have laptops and iPads available for students to borrow.
Rouben Tchakhmakhtchian, Manager of Systems and Client Services, recounted the importance of listening to community needs and incorporating them at the design and planning stages, “In response to community feedback, we (the Education Commons) were looking to create a casual, lounge-style, multipurpose space where members of the OISE community can socialize and collaborate on their various projects and initiatives, or quite simply, just relax and unwind. Relaxing ambiance, comfortable furniture, wireless internet access, plenty of power outlets and friendly front-line staff are all essential elements of a modern, functional, technological hub which supports and enhances OISE’s culture of community and collaboration.”
Pictured above are: Student Teachers Union reps Richard Park, Robert Meynell, Marco Simmer-Delniis, Chris Brooks-Prenger, and Stanley Oh; Grad students Erin Sperling, Shasta Carr-Harris, Marija Glisic and Brad Evoy
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