UWG
News Item
Contact: University Communications & Marketing
Phone (678) 839-6464, FAX (678) 839-6645
ucm@westga.edu
Mass Communications opens speech lab
November 5, 2004
CARROLLTON, GA - The Department of Mass Communications/Theatre Arts at the University of West Georgia proudly opened its new speech lab Friday, Oct. 29.
The
new lab will serve students in public speaking classes as well as self-staging
classes. Since many student speeches are videotaped, the lab became necessary
so that equipment would not have to be delivered to different classrooms,
said Peggy Gauthier, instructor in mass communications and coordinator
of the lab.
“This fall we were running 28 sections of public speaking and eight sections of self-staging classes,” Gauthier said. “The speech lab was developed to house the latest technology in one place and to serve as many students and faculty as possible.”
Gauthier pointed out that the lab was patterned after the speech lab at Georgia Perimeter College in Dunwoody. She also worked with the department and facilities to identify and secure funds for the renovation and equipment.
Media technology is also prominent in the new lab, which is located on the UWG Pafford Building’s second floor. Students and faculty will be able to make use of two cameras, four televisions with DVR/VHS players and recorders, an overhead projector and PowerPoint capabilities, said Chris McDowell, instructor of mass communication.
“What is unique about this is that we can videotape the speaker, a well as audience reactions,” McDowell said. “So if a speaker puts his audience to sleep, we can see that.”
Gauthier thanked Dr. Jane McCandless (Interim Chair of Mass Comm/Theatre Arts--2003-04), Rodney Gibbs, head of the renovation team; Brian McCrary, director of learning resources; Swain Harris, of Public Safety; and Teresa Yates, mass comm/theatre office manager, for their help in building the lab.
Gauthier said students would ultimately benefit from the new lab.
“By blending proven teaching techniques with technology to enhance the learning process, we are enhancing understanding of the principles of communications and helping students become better public speakers,” she said.
The lab is in continuous use on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Fridays. For more information on the speech lab contact Gauthier at 678-839-6518.
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