A longstanding “marriage” with computer giant IBM has produced a new and beneficial development for Mississippi State University. A large contribution of computers and computer accessories was made to the University earlier this year following negotiations between IBM and the Division of Continuing Education, in partnership with the College of Agriculture and Home Economics. This venture follows in the footsteps of other dealings between IBM and MSU.
“IBM and MSU founded a partnership in the early 90s with the CIM program,” Robert B. Leiter, dean of continuing education said. CIM stands for Computer Integrated Manufacturing Center, a program designed to serve students and state industry. This was a result of a combined effort of the division of continuing education and the Colleges of Business and Industry and Engineering.
According to Leiter, IBM has donated some 40 model 486 computers for the establishment of two computer labs, which are located in Dorman Hall.
“The college of agriculture and home economics provided that space, which we thought was great due to its central location on campus,” Leiter said. The labs are already “up and running” and will be in use this semester.
It is expected this lab with its “cutting edge” technology will be a great benefit to these departments especially.
“I can see two major purposes for this lab. First, we will be able to conduct training for business and industry on how they could best benefit from these machines. And second, we can better teach our own students and staff how to better utilize these computers,” Leiter added. “We will begin this semester in an electronic classroom, which will allow us to essentially teach courses by great distances.”
While the labs are for student use, they will not be open to all students. There is somewhat limited use.
“These won’t truly be open labs. They will, however, be used as classrooms and for professional development for staff as well as for business and industry,” Leiter explained.
Leiter speculated that by sheer virtue of the computer’s advanced nature it will, in fact, make students more prepared for the world of business; these computers will be more like those which graduates will be likely to face on a new job.
“These computers are 486, which means that they are more powerful and faster than the previous models which were the 286 and the 386 models,” he said.
Leiter also said that by training students with new technology, MSU is contributing to the economic welfare of the region.
“If these students have the desired training, then we could see more industry here,” he said.
In regards to his department’s and the College of Business and Industry’s combined efforts, Leiter said, “This is another case of the different colleges and divisions working together to bring about very successful results; and not only the divisions and colleges, but also a private industrial partner.”
