Fastforward, EOC online testing and other virtual school programs will soon limit the availability of computer labs for teachers. Head librarian Pam Pinkerton realized the possiblility of a future problem when she was informed during a Site-Based Decision-Making Committee.

Pinkerton believes the constant consumption of the lab space has created an unavoidable shortage of availability.

“Right now there’s no solution, we’re using what we can to not take a whole lab,” Pinkerton said. “Everything that’s in there, we’re doing for the students.”

Legacy first opened with five computer labs. During the 08-09 school year, four became occupied for credit recovery. This year, the Fastforward program uses one lab each day for ESL and Special Ed. English classes. Fastforward takes place during the last two periods of the day and credit recovery takes place during the first two periods.

TAKS preparation in the spring semester will occupy another computer lab, eventually making all labs unavailable. Teachers must sign up to get access to a computer lab, and a low availability of slots has made them more difficult to acquire.

“Most of February is booked, because the teachers are thinking ahead,” Pinkerton said. “It’s going to be difficult if these teachers don’t plan five to six weeks ahead.”