You've had days when you wanted to do something on a computer but you simply don't know what to do. Next time you come across this situation, Digital Media Center (DMC) might be able to help you.
Situated in Mattin Center, DMC is equipped with the most cutting-edge technology for full-time undergraduate and graduate students. DMC promotes with the slogan "We're not just another computer lab." Besides printing and computing facilities, it is equipped with audio and video suites.
"About ten years ago, the trustees were wondering why were some of the most selective candidates who were offered admission chose to go elsewhere ... the seed of the idea resulted in the new rec center and the new arts center," said Deborah Buffalin, office manager at DMC.
DMC was created as a part of the Board of Trustee's school plan to improve the quality of life outside academics at Hopkins. It offers hardware, software and professional expertise for students.
"We're here to enhance the life of the students on the whole. We are here to help students indulge their artistic desires," said Buffalin. "Whether it's the rudimentary of gusting a paper, putting graphics into a project, something as mundane as sending pictures to grandma or all the way up to writing and producing a feature film or for-profit music CDs, we want to be able to help everybody with all of that."
Student staff help maintain DMC daily. Front desk staff are trained to deal with common connectivity problems, whereas lab coaches are specialized in either of the five areas including video, audio, 2-d, 3-d and Web. There are also two professional audio and video specialists, and an IT specialist.
"I sit up in the front and I check out cameras and video cameras ... and if patrons need help on any of the programs, I am trained to answer any basic questions," said Dimitri Fernando, a freshman, who is a front desk student staff at DMC.
Apart from the physical lab space that students could use, DMC also functions as a library for various IT equipment such as digital, still and video cameras. Students are allowed to borrow as much equipment as they need for up to three days. If it is needed longer, students can submit a project proposal on-line.
Every semester, DMC offers a wide range of free workshops. The classes are designed for introductory, intermediate and advanced levels. DMC also tries to offer classes on the newest softwares in the market.
"We tailor them to the needs of students. Anyone can buy the equipment, it's the information we can give them that makes us so special ... Sometimes I am surprised how technologically unsophisticated some of the students on this campus are," said Buffalin.
Various student groups and individuals have found DMC useful in their projects. Mental Notes produced their CD there. DMC has also helped individuals set up Websites for their businesses.
"We'd like to get more involved with groups. When they do fun stuff, we'd like to be there to help them. Sometimes we don't hear from them until the last minute when they need a projector. We want to be there when they are planning projects and help them find out interesting ways to expand their goals," Buffalin.
Buffalin emphasizes that their constant struggle is to educate students of its existence.
"I feel like that not many people know about the stuff we have," said Fernando.
In effort to promote DMC, it is involved in the Mattin pARTy put on by Mattin Center every year. This year, it will be on May 13th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be showcases of students' artwork, food and performances by jazz bands and entertainment groups.
Rushing for a final project? Drop by DMC from noon until midnight on Sundays thru Thursdays, and from noon till 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. You might find your saviour there.
