Redefining the Modern Computer Lab

July 29, 2025 |  Data, Students
2 min

Discover how usage data and flexible planning are helping campuses rethink and refresh computer labs for modern students.

For years, computer labs were a campus essential. Rows of machines, locked-down software, always in use. That’s not the case anymore. Now, students bring their own devices, software’s in the cloud and learning is hybrid. It’s time to ask: 

What’s the role of a computer lab today?

We’re seeing more schools shift from static workstations to flexible, student-friendly spaces. That change isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s driven by data. And LabStats is helping lead that charge.

Join us for a webinar on August 7th to explore the future of computer labs:
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Computer Labs Aren’t Dead, They’re Just Evolving

Computer labs aren’t going away. They’re just being reimagined. Traditional labs once centered around rows of static workstations, each equipped with identical software and hardware. Today, that one-size-fits-all model no longer fits.

Students in creative, technical, and design-heavy disciplines often prefer or are required to use their own laptops, and entire programs have shifted toward virtual desktops or cloud-based tools. Many institutions are now investing in collaborative workspaces, docking stations, and open-use areas rather than rebuilding outdated labs.

Here’s what that looks like:

  • Fewer fixed desktops, more flexible setups – docking stations, hot desks, and open-access areas.
  • Repurposed space – underused labs becoming tutoring centers, quiet study zones, or even esports spaces.
  • Efficient scheduling – computer lab hours and staffing are based on usage data, not gut instinct.

With LabStats, you can actually see how your machines and software are being used. Which labs are packed? Which are empty? What software’s actually running? That kind of visibility changes everything.

Case Study: Southern Cross University

At Southern Cross University in Queensland, LabStats plays a key role in helping the IT team manage space, spending, and software more strategically. Paul Brown, Manager of Customer Service and Kelly Stewart, Desktop Services Team Lead use LabStats to evaluate requests for hotdesks, shared computers and docking stations for staff, by checking usage data of nearby machines. When budget or space is tight, usage data helps them identify underutilized labs so they can remove unnecessary workstations and repurpose the space. 

Watch the Case Study Video: Southern Cross University Uses LabStats

LabStats makes it easy to:

  • Validate requests for hotdesks and shared resources
  • Identify underused labs to free up space and reduce hardware costs
  • Supports fact-based conversations around IT planning and investment

Paul Brown sums it up: 

“LabStats represents a very good return on the investment. We use it a lot to support fact-based decision making. I think it would be very difficult to have those conversations without LabStats.”

Visibility = Agility

Higher ed tech is evolving quickly, and staying ahead means knowing what’s working, what’s not, and where resources are being wasted. LabStats gives you that visibility. Whether you’re looking to modernize computer labs, better support hybrid learning, justify IT spending, or plan for growth without relying on guesswork, having accurate usage data makes all the difference. 

Ready to turn usage data into smarter IT decisions? Schedule a personalized LabStats demo today.


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