Terrance Lacey
The Corsair
The mathematics department at Pensacola State College has redeveloped its mathematics laboratory in consideration for its increasingly large student body.
According to supervisor Casey Williams, much more space as well as computers was needed to support an increasing amount of students in and out each day using the laboratory for study and tutorial access. Williams said the old laboratory always stayed congested and overrun by students and staff who were growing more impatient every day.
So by combining classrooms 101-103 and adding an extra office space, the new laboratory is supplied with 40 new computers consuming the area of one full classroom and a half-room office connected by doorway for seclusion and for the ability to study quietly.
Three tutors are on duty at all times to help students receive aid with their studies. There are 11 group tables seating six each, and white boards and textbooks are available to each student as well as handout and formula sheets, providing many ways to aid students, tutor Gloria Vega said.
For any currently enrolled student at Pensacola State College, the newly developed laboratory can be accessed at your convenience with a guarantee of 3 out of 11 available tutors working, and also with the assistance of five or six teachers if any extra help is needed. Hours of availability are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Fridays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
So far, the average number of students using the mathematics lab has increased to a high of 5,500 visits over the course of 16 weeks. The next two semesters should show a much higher number of students accessing the lab since redevelopment, supervisor Amanda Steffan said.
She also adds that in the near future, the mathematics department will be redesigned and rebuilt. According to reviews from staff and student body, the mathematics building is in need of renovation, more space and modernization. The current building was built in the 1960’s and was deemed cheaper to rebuild than to renovate.
To contact the mathematics laboratory, please call 850-484-2003.