Students Deal with Classroom Software Issues
Photo by Rampage photographer Nathan LePere.
For the first month in the spring 2022 semester, Bluefield University graphic communication students were not able to access and use essential Adobe graphic design software in the Mac Lab in BU’s Science Center, causing a number of challenges and delays for the students in completing coursework.
The issues have since been resolved, according to Chip Lambert, vice president of operations and technology, who said the problems originated from a change in licensing the software.
“The issues were from Adobe changing the license structure we had used in the past,” Lambert said. “Going forward, since we are under the new licensing model, it shouldn’t be as big of an issue.”
But before the fix, some coursework in the Publishing in InDesign class was delayed a few weeks because only four of the 16 computers in the Mac Lab provided access to the software, which made it difficult for students to get the hands-on experience the class provides.
“I think the setback in the Mac lab has significantly impacted the way the class was intended to be taught,” InDesign student Abigail Gasperson said. “Although I use my own laptop (for the Adobe software), others in my class do not have access on their own personal computer. This makes it extremely difficult for the class to move on, because we don’t want to leave everyone else behind.”
Other InDesign students spoke about the challenge of retaining information without the hands-on experience.
“I think it’s a tad bit effected from me personally being a hands-on learner,” one student said, “and retaining more from interaction, but listening is still beneficial. I think it’s still a tad bit of a setback.”
The lack of access to the necessary software was not only difficult for students, but also professors.
“While I was still able to provide demonstrations within the software for students, the main setback was the students who weren’t able to touch the software themselves until later than anticipated,” said Allen Roberts, professor of graphic communication. “This required some shuffling of assignments and altering of deadlines to veer the course back on track.”
While the issues with the Mac Lab had some negative consequences, there were also some positives.
“It allowed me to focus on each assignment a little longer than it was originally scheduled to,” Gasperson said. Graphic design student Jesse Ragin agreed.
“The setback had a few positives, like time to brainstorm ideas for future assignments,” Ragin said. “People had the chance to see if the software could work on their personal laptops. Things like that I think were a pretty good opportunity with everything going on.”
Roberts added that the experience also provided a good life lesson.
“We’ve become so reliant on the technology around us – both personally and professionally – but there’s no guarantee it will always work as it’s supposed to,” Roberts said. “Be prepared to adapt in order to keep moving forward in the face of adversity.”