Learning Labs and Centers

The Fourth

The Fourth at Del Mar College, located on the fourth floor of the White Library, features active learning and planning spaces, instructional programming and student resources such as the Stone Writing Center and the Student Complex. These components have been designed to meet learners’ needs and their diverse ways of learning. For more information about the Fourth’s services, call (361) 698-1364.

Instructional Programs

The Fourth offers instructional programming, focusing on a variety of skills. Featured resources include Tech Talk sessions, SWC Experiences, Workshop Week, Workshops on West, HESI Prep Sessions, Roxy Writer Blog, Online Tips Sheets and Canvas Help.

Stone Writing Center

Students are encouraged to visit the Stone Writing Center (SWC) on the fourth floor of the White Library. The SWC has two main components:

1. On-Campus Tutoring Program

   If students want to improve their writing skills, they should check out the on-campus professional writing consultation services and interactive workshops offered by the Stone Writing Center. Writing consultants can help students at any stage of the writing process. Students can also take advantage of the SWC’s resources, including their popular writing blog and an extensive handout collection, by visiting the Stone Writing Center section of the Del Mar College website (http://delmar.edu/offices/swc).

   Services and resources are available to all students in all disciplines and to members of the community.

2. Online Tutoring Program

   If students prefer to receive help online, they should consider submitting their work to the Stone Writing Center Online housed in Canvas. Writing consultants will read students’ work online and will send them individual comments to help them become stronger writers. Students can register for this service by visiting the Stone Writing Center section of the Del Mar College website (http://delmar.edu/offices/swc).

Student Complex

1. The Student Hub

   In addition to face-to-face and small group writing instruction, The Fourth also offers the Student Hub; designed for student use, this non-traditional learning space features adaptable workstations and numerous technologies that enable and encourage collaboration. Because the workstations are easily reconfigured, students can work individually as well as in groups.

2. Re-Charge Zone

   Students can also relax and have a complimentary cup of coffee in the Re-Charge Zone, a designated space where students can meet, take a break and charge their mobile devices between classes and tutorials.

3. Interview Resource Center

   The Interview Resource Center provides students a place to practice, develop and implement effective interview skills. The room is spacious enough to allow for individuals or small groups to collaborate on interview techniques. Students can also reserve the IRC to conduct mock interviews and use state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment to present themselves as professional candidates during online interviews.

4. Career Readiness Institute

   The Career Readiness Institute (CRI) exists to help students with Career Readiness, planning, development, internships, résumés, cover letters, presentation practice skills, and effective interview skills.

   Students will have the ability to use web-based career planning and mapping software with the assistance of Career Mentors assigned to these areas.

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center (SSC) located in the St. Clair Building on the East Campus provides academic support for students who want assistance outside the regular classroom. Housed in the SSC are multi-discipline Peer Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, Technology Resource Center, and student-oriented workshops. The contact number is (361) 698-2265.

The Technology Resource Center provides student computer workstations for academic support to include a variety of software programs, laptops and graphing calculators for student checkouts. The contact number is (361) 698-2234.

Individual Labs/Centers

1. Reading Lab

If you want to improve your reading skills, stop by the Reading Lab, located in Room 121 in the Coles Building on the East Campus. The lab provides instruction and tutoring to help you complete classroom reading assignments.

When you enroll in READ 0305, you will attend the Reading Lab one hour per week to receive additional instruction and practice in the computer lab. You will be learning lessons on the computer, which provide additional practice on skills you are studying in your reading classes.

When you enroll in Integrated Reading and Writing 0408, you will have either lessons on-line or learning lessons on the computer which are part of the coursework requirements.

If you need tutorial assistance with your College reading or writing assignments, you may call (361) 698-1535 to make an appointment. In addition, the Reading Lab offers workshops on a variety of reading topics.

2. ESOL Lab

If you want to improve your English speaking and comprehension skills, visit the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Lab, located in Rooms 102 and 104 in the Coles Building on the East Campus.

If you are enrolled in ESOL courses, you will attend the ESOL Lab to receive additional instruction and practice on material covered in your ESOL classes.

The Lab offers a variety of instructional materials, including books, audio and computer-assisted instruction software. In addition, tutors are available to help, with tutorial sessions organized on special topics throughout each semester.

3. Languages Lab

If you are enrolled in Spanish or French classes, visit the Languages Lab, located in the Coles Building, Rooms 106 and 108, on the East Campus. The Lab provides computerized language instruction, review materials and conversational practice. You can use computers, audio players, videos and camcorders. Lab assistants lead conversational practice groups which emphasize oral interaction and proficiency.

4. Speech Communication Center

If you want help in the creation and performance of any speech activity, the Speech Communication Center (SCC) is the place to be, located in Memorial Classroom Building, Room 211, on the East Campus.

The Speech Communication Center has personal computers, video viewing equipment, a conversation area and three practice rooms equipped with computer units with which you may incorporate presentation software into your presentations and video cameras with which to record yourself for self-analysis.

The Speech Communication Center is open to all students and faculty.

5. Math Learning Center

If you are enrolled in math classes and need help, you are encouraged to attend the Mathematics Learning Center, located in the Coles Building, Room 116, on the East Campus. The Center has student tutors and full-time faculty available for assistance with all levels of mathematic and is open weekday, evening and weekend hours. Call (361) 698-1579.

6. Collaboratory

The Collaboratory in the Venters Business Building, Room 310, offers group study rooms, computer workstations, lounge-type seating for individual study and tutoring for various STEM subjects. Tutors are available for mathematics, engineering, economics and programming.