computer assisted

instruction lab
Des Peres Hall 216
Director: Dr. Nathaniel A. Rivers | nrivers1@slu.edu

Opened in 1999, the CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) lab provides an interactive and versatile educational
environment. As a computer lab built around laptops, our classroom spaces can serve many purposes. With wall-
mounted dry erase boards and flat screen televisions, floor space is freed
up for any number of configurations made possible by our modular
furniture.
Students and instructors are provided access to media production tools
such as Audacity, Garage Band, iMovie, Keynote, and several word
processing and date management products. Such media production
tools provide invaluable experience in new and varied forms of
production. Additionally, the lab has audio and video equipment for
producing new media compositions. The lab can be used to enhance
traditional modes of writing pedagogy by creating an environment
where new methods of composing abound.
In addition to our laptop carts and classroom spaces (in Des Peres Hall
206, 208 and 212), DPH 216 has been renovated and re-envisioned as a
studio space for students in both first-year writing and Rhetoric, Writing
and Technology (RWT) courses. The media studio is designed to
provide a comfortable and collaborative space for students to plan,
produce and workshop a range of media projects from short videos to
longer, audio narratives. Features include a media bar that provides for
displaying and workshopping projects on one of three 36-inch flat
screen televisions. The increased screen real estate promotes a more
collaborative and precise work experience. The bar set-up likewise
allows for several small groups to work in this way. The media studio
also features two networked iMac computers dedicated to long term,
digital humanities projects. Finally, the studio includes a recording
booth soundproofed and set-up for students to record audio tracks: for
instance, podcasts and narration for videos. In the very near future, the
recording booth will be furnished to accommodate multiple students,
allowing for interviews and group recording sessions.
In addition to the renovated studio space, the lab has invested in
professional quality audio recording equipment to used by students
enrolled in Rhetoric, Writing and Technology courses. Our portable
audio kits make it possible for students to do field recording and conduct
interviews beyond the confines of the classroom

The media studio greatly expands upon the labs ability to promote and support a diverse array of compelling
composition projects, and so the media studio strengthens the mission and purpose of the lab.