Lab facilities at UOM – Pet Peeves and Kudos?

Ever thought you just had nothing to talk about? Rest assured, university is definitely not the place where you can crawl into a quiet corner. We are all good at anything - bashing. So how's computer lab facilities at University of Mysore? Here's one such lively excerpt from staff - student interaction. What did we achieve from this? A good dose of air - clearing and an introduction to problem - solving skills.

Gripe I

We said: Number of systems is less.
Those in the know said: two students that is a ratio of 1:2 can share one system. Existing systems number 14. An additional 6 were added and will be supplemented by some year in December.

Gripe II
We said: Systems are very slow.
Those in the know said: MLISc students do not as a whole require high-end access except for the Internet, which they shouldn't constantly be using anyway.

Gripe III
We said: Lab timing between 8am-8pm
Those in the know said: Students should demonstrate a need for this facility

Gripe IV

We said: There should be two teachers running the class for it to run smoothly.

Those in the know said: Currently, there are two teachers who can be approached at any time, as both know course software.

Gripe V

We said: Documentation is required for reference.

Those in the know said: Such documentation is available and unknown information can be queried. Best of all students should produce a manual themselves having discovered solutions to their own problems

Gripe VI
We said: Internet too slow
Those in the know said: For the software being taught on the course, the Internet was not needed. Therefore slowness would not impact on teaching. However, this issue will be looked at with new funding

Gripe VII
We said: Ventilation is poor.
Those in the know said: This was acknowledged. It was suggested that money be pooled for buying room fresheners. Students were advised to pay more attention to personal hygiene - clean socks and deodorants. Whilst one may be immune to his/her emissions, others were not! Mention was made of keeping the place tidy so as to improve the general ambience. Teachers are allowed footwear. (Teacher: student ratio 2:25).

Gripe VIII
We said: Three computers don't have UPS and this could jeopardize the exam performance
Those in the know said: The lack of UPS would not impact on the practicals. Students should ask for distilled water to top up the systems from the office when necessary.

Gripe IX
We said: Some computers will better than others.
Those in the know said: Agreed upon as well as the large number of old computers

Gripe X
We said: We don't have anti-virus software
Those in the know said: We cannot invest Rs. 75,000 on anti-virus software alone. Take note that it’s you students who bring in the virus with your pen drives

Gripe XI
We said: Lack of space
Those in the know said: This can be solved only in the long-term, with planning, not overnight.