Learning Laboratories

The W. M. Keck Foundation Image Processing Laboratory

The W. M. Keck Foundation Image Processing Laboratory, located on the second floor of the Stauffer Science Building, is a facility for the analysis of all types of digital images, including remotely sensed data from Earth-observing satellites, interplanetary spacecraft, and medical scanners. Geographical information system software for the integration of spatial data provides a link between maps, aerial photographs, and remotely sensed data.The primary baseline data for the laboratory is the Fairchild Aerial Photography Collection; acquired during the period 1927-1964, these photographs compose one of the largest libraries of photographic images in the United States. The laboratory computer system is based on DEC Station 5000/200 UNIX-based workstations. For more details, go to the Fairchild Aerial Collections website.

GTE Language Lab

The learning of different languages requires the development of skills—to the highest degree possible— in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural understanding. Appropriately, the GTE Language Lab in Deihl Hall is a pricipal facility for the Department of Modern Languages. The lab houses sophisticated multimedia equipment designed to support foreign language-learning’s increased emphasis on technology as a method of bringing authentic, meaningful culture to students in and out of the classroom, and at all levels of learning. Fourteen student workstations allow students to utilize the most up-to-date computer software, as well as to receive digital audio and video, whether as part of a class, or for individual or small group work.

The Media Center

Located on the second floor of Platner Hall, the Media Center furnishes the College with a wide range of audio-visual services and an extensive software library of audio tapes, video tapes, and films. Photography, sound, and synchronized slide programs also can be readily produced withiin the Center's facilities.

Along with a darkroom and audio booth, the Media Center also houses a color television studio and sophisticated editing bay, providing faculty and students with the opportunity to produce diverse programming, such as individual video projects and local documentaries.

Music Technology Lab

In the Music Building at the Peasley Center, a keyboard/music technology lab is available for students in the Department of Music. The lab features 10 Yamaha Clavinova digital pianos, four Macintosh computers, and a variety of software to assist students in the notation, composition, and recording of music.

Digital Arts Lab

The Digital Arts Lab is located in the Wardman Gym, within the Department of Art & Art History, and is equipped with 15 Power Mac G4 400/256 MB/20GB/Zip towers, flatbed and slide/film scanners, Epson color and HP laser printers. All workstations have Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator, Director, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and QuarkXPress, as well as Microsoft Office and Internet access. The Lab is open for students all days, 11a.m.-11p.m., except Saturdays, 2-7p.m.

Mathematics Lab

A number of courses offered at Whittier College use the power of today's computer technology to simulate real-world situations in the classroom. The Math Lab, located in Stauffer Science Building, contains 12 Pentium 4 PCs running Windows XP Pro and two classrooms with 30 PCs, which are used heavily throughout the year. Available software may include Maple, Microsoft Excel, SPSS, MatLab, C++ and Java Programming environments, and TeX/LaTeX typesetting packages.

Clift Microcomputer Lab

Located on the first floor of Hoover Hall—within the Department of Business Administration and Department of Economics—is the Clift Microcomputer Lab, which features both Macintosh and PC stations, featuring Internet access, laser-printing, and software for the development of business-related skills: numerical and word processing, statistical analysis, and general business applications.