Overview Of Learning Lab Structure



 



[ACC Learning Labs] [Index]

Personnel Resources
Material Resources
Facilities and Technological Resources
Software Resources

Personnel Resources

In the Tutoring Labs
The Learning Lab staff includes Instructional Associates, professional and peer tutors in addition to computer lab assistants and technical staff. The primary duty of all tutors is to aid students in becoming independent learners as they master subject matter. Tutors are expected to be familiar with all software and materials in their respective disciplines.

Instructional Associates (IAs), are ACC adjunct faculty and serve as liaisons for their departments, assisting faculty in designing and providing supplemental curriculum activities. They also act as a resource/mentor for other tutors in their content area. Responsibilities include tutoring, conducting workshops for students, faculty, and staff, and providing information on content-area software. IAs may collaborate with the lab manager to oversee tutors in content area and conduct tutor training. They also work closely with Task Forces to facilitate curriculum implementation and improvement.

Professional tutors (Teaching Assistants) usually have bachelor or advanced degrees and are often pursuing post-graduate studies. These tutors offer the benefit of their expertise at the content level and their long-term experience as students and tutors. Many are past ACC students and are familiar with ACC courses.

Peer tutors are usually ACC students who have been recommended by instructors for their outstanding performance in coursework and for demonstration of the requisite interpersonal skills needed for tutoring (See Peer Tutor Recommendation Form).
 

In the Computer Labs
The Learning Lab computer facilities are staffed with computer lab technicians and/or network administrators who install hardware and software, set up the network to accommodate classes using instructional software, and troubleshoot problems at the network and workstation level. They also act as consultants, collaborators and facilitators for on-line projects (web pages, interactive teaching activities) and make recommendations to lab managers for lab enhancements, improvements, and upgrades.

Computer lab assistants, knowledgeable in MS Office, Internet, help students use word processors, access computer tutorials and Internet services. Lab assistants also help students with in-class computer activities and conduct orientations for classes on specific software or computer basics.

Material Resources Available in the Learning Labs*

The Learning Lab material inventory includes
Current Textbooks for many courses
Solutions Manuals in Accounting and Mathematics
Reference Books (dictionaries, thesauri, bilingual dictionaries)
Specialized Reference Tomes

Materials for Student Checkout

TASP Manuals
Outdated texts
Manual for use of Graphing Calculators
Collection of novels and special interest books for Developmental Reading students
Other resources available in the Lab
Graphing Calculators
Tape Players
Cassette tapes for ESL, Foreign Languages, vocabulary, phonics, and more
A series of tip sheets on study skills and other academic skills
Numerous handouts
  • for writing on grammar and usage
  • for mathematics
    •  Professional journals and publications

    Facilities and Technological Resources

    Adaptive Hardware and Software
     
     

    Software Resources

    The Learning Labs welcome faculty and students to use the Lab facilities. Our computer labs can accommodate individual students and/or entire classes. In addition, students requiring special accommodations may find various adaptive hardware and software in our computer labs.

    One of the main resources of the learning labs is our collection of software covering many subject areas. Computer tutorials related to reading, writing, mathematics, chemistry and more are available at each lab. We also have software to accompany many of the texts currently used in a number of college courses.

    We have been working with the task forces and the administration (CODE) to establish a core “must-have” list of software for the labs; however, our current software inventories vary somewhat.

    Some software titles currently available at all labs

    PLATO - courseware specifically designed to meet the needs of young adult and adult learners.  PLATO is very comprehensive in scope and sequence, spanning a broad range of subject areas, with each course targeted to specific competencies and skill levels.  It incorporates effective instructional strategies for skill development with real-life applications to help learners establish a solid foundation of skills.  Problem-based activities allow learners to develop problem-solving skills and thus acquire critical thinking skills.  Because PLATO is so comprehensive, instructors should visit the lab to examine the courseware and designate specific sections for students to use.  PLATO covers math (through Calculus II), chemistry, physics, social studies, life skills, reading, writing, and communications/speech.

    Skills Bank - a tutorial skills-driven software package that encompasses reading, writing, and math and has excellent critical thinking lessons integrated into these content areas.

    If you wish to send students to work in a specific area of a program, or if you want to discuss the use of or preview any of the software that we have to complement your curriculum, please feel free to contact the lab managers.  We invite you stop by the Labs anytime, and we welcome your suggestions and comments.

    Software Resources

    Cypress Creek Learning Lab
    Pinnacle Learning Lab
    Writing Instructors' Guide to Tutorial Software compiled by Joni Carpenter an IA and Writing Instructor at Pinnacle Learning Lab


     


    [ACC Learning Labs] [Index]

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