Loyola is building a state of the art computer multimedia training center to teach digital video, audio, and other multimedia productions using Apple’s G4 computers.
Scott Fredrickson, head of the Music Business Program, received a grant from the state for Loyola in amount of $160,000.
Contributions also came from the Gheens Foundation, a charitable organization that contributes to educational endeavors. Computer hardware and software and musical instrument manufacturer contributions are also being made.
According to Apple computer representatives, there will be no similar facilities within a seven-state region.
G4 was chosen because it is the most powerful machine available for this kind of project, Fredrickson said.
They are not likely to crash and are capable of executing the same digital video and audio programs as PCs , except more efficiently, he said.
The lab will be on the first floor of the Monroe Library in the area formerly occupied by the microfilm and microfiche room. The microfilm and microfiche files and resources will be moved to the reference desk.
The project will cost $500,000.
According to Susan Brower, media services coordinator for the library, the center is scheduled to be finished by the end of the fall.
It will be used as a classroom during school hours.
The center will contain 12 student stations with Apple’s G4s, and “many other toys,” Fredrickson said the G4s will include Mac OS X, DVD players, DVD burners, Adobe Photoshop, and digital video editing software.
Each station will be worth between $10,000 and $15,000.
The center will have its own computer network.This network will run ten times faster than the current campus network.
The room will be sound proofed so that students can use surround sound editing software.
The multimedia center will not be open for general use.
Only music business students who are familiar with G4s will be allowed access.
Plans include granting lab access through the eligible students’ Express Card. The same scanners used to access the residence halls and the 24-hour computer labs will be installed. The center will be monitored on a 24-hour basis to ensure its proper use.
According to Brower, Fredrickson’s project also includes the purchase of 20 Macintosh iMac computers.
The iMacs will be located outside the new multimedia center and connected to its network.
The iMacs are for general use and will contain the basic features of G4s. In addition to the students with lab privileges, and as a requirement of the government financing, Loyola will offer classes to the community, Fredrickson said.
Apple will provide training to those interested on the weekends and during the summer, Fredrickson said.
