McDivitt Hall improvements make life easier for instructors, students
By Tyler Devereaux
Staff Writer
One of the big topics around Jackson Community College over the last year has been the renovation of McDivitt Hall.
The constant drilling noise became a trademark of any class in McDivitt. But it's a more peaceful place to learn now that everything is finished.
"All of the teachers are very happy with the renovations," said Laura Thurlow, the chair of the science department for the winter semester. Thurlow was particularly pleased with the new laboratories.
"The remodeling has been very beneficial to everybody. Now we have better methods of teaching and the students can enjoy a better, more hands-on learning experience. . We've gone from having one of the oldest, least attractive set of labs in the county to now possibly having the very best."
The labs for biology, chemistry and geology have all been given a new look. Each one contains a 3-dimentional projector as opposed to those old-fashioned overhead projectors that most teachers wheel around on carts.
"The labs look a lot better than they used to," said Jenakay Talerico, 20, who's taking biology.
"It just feels like we're learning in a more professional environment now. With the way it used to look compared to now . it's a good thing they went all out to make a change for the school."
The new installments have provided classrooms with greater media capability and have allowed teachers to get to the point with their lectures.
"The new technology has made it easier for students to learn, especially with the instant Web access," Thurlow said. "But a big thing that is overlooked is how much time we save now. If I'm in my office talking to a student and I've got a class right then, I no longer have to worry about gathering my things and pushing a big cart down the hallway and setting everything up. Sometimes I had to take 15 minutes managing the projector before teaching anything. . Now everything goes much more smoothly."
While the labs have been changed for the better, the same can be said about the new layout of the McDivitt Hall lobby. The old computer lab was taken out and now there's a more luxurious lounge area for students, complete with sofas and the Java City. It looks like more of a collegiate atmosphere than before, with a spacious entrance and cushy seating. The finished product is a big step toward making JCC more comfortable for students and faculty alike.