By Alexandria Gallardo
Pulse Staff Reporter
The Academic Learning Studio provides basic computer maintenance for students, such as installing Microsoft, anti-virus scans and basic computer repair. The ALS also provides help with using GoPrint, navigating the Web, and answering questions about software available.
Seeing the Academic Learning Studio for the first time can seem overwhelming. The room is lined up with computers on large desks on each side. However, the ALS provides more for their visitors than meets the eye.
“I love going to the Academic Learning Studio,” said Stephanie Esparza, a first-year student. “I usually go there between classes to catch up on any classwork, or when I need to pass some time. The guys at the front desk are always helpful when GoPrint is being stubborn.”
The ALS is in the Ozuna Building, one floor below the library, in Room 150. The ALS is a large room with over 200 computers. They have five Apple computers available to use on one side of the computer lab, and they have four smaller rooms that professionals can reserve for lectures or presentations. Professors can reserve sections of the ALS for their students for the whole day or during specific times.
The ALS is also home to a 3-D printer. Students and the community may use the 3-D printer free of charge for the maximum time of 2 hours. The 3-D printer has a variety of colors to choose from, but only the employees can change the color. Users can ask to see what colors are available to use, and the employees will insert it for them. The user must stay in the ALS for the duration of the 3-D printing.
“I used to come to the ALS all the time to use the 3-D printer before I started working here,” said Mason Gonzales, a student employee in the ALS.
Students may rent out laptops in the ALS for one month at a time. There are no fees for renting a laptop, as long as it is returned in the same condition and on time. The late fee for the laptops is $25 the day after it is supposed to be returned. Ten cents is added each day until the rental is returned. Students can rent out laptops as many times as they need. There is no maximum amount. However, the laptops must be brought back for monthly maintenance.
“When my old laptop died on me, I couldn’t just buy a new one. The ALS rental laptops were really what helped me the weeks before I graduated,” said Megan Lucio, a San Antonio College alumni.
The ALS works to ensure that patrons have access to things that will push them to be more successful. Most of the employees are students at PAC, and they can answer questions about the computers, Canvas, and GoPrint. The ALS can assist when a user has forgotten their GoPrint username or password or assistance with putting funds into their GoPrint account. The ALS works to make sure all the tools of success are ready and available to use for students and members of the community.
“I would like people to know that the ALS isn’t just open to students, but to the community, as well,” said Gonzales.
The ALS is open to the students and the community from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The ALS is closed on Sunday.
For more information, contact the Academic Learning Studio at (210) 486-3790.
PAC Student Media 