The size of the laboratory room should be determined by the number of
workstations and peripheral equipment to be supported. Ample space for student
workstations, teacher workstation, scanner(s), overhead projection equipment,
printers, file/mail servers., and an additional work area for preparation and
reference activities should be included. Size of laboratory room should also
allow for freedom of movement by both students and teachers. The Highland Park
Laboratory measures approximately
The room should be centrally located to provide convenient access for all
users.
The student workstation area should be large enough to support at least 24
student workstations or maximum individual class size. (30 inches wide by 24
inches wide by 24 inches deep per student workstation area)
The teacher workstation area is convenient when placed alongside overhead
projection for efficiency of instructional delivery.
A preparation/reference work area is desirable and should be located adjacent
to the laboratory. This area should be large enough for reference and/or
preparation activities by the student(s) and teacher. Scanners and printers
could also be located in this area.
Storage space is also important. Both cabinets and bookshelves are needed
for software, reference manuals, paper, disks, etc. Closets/cabinets which are
secure (can be locked) are desirable for supplies, as well as spare parts or
equipment items which may not be in use.
Room shape should allow students an unobstructed view of the teacher,
projection screens, writing boards, etc. We prefer a large, rectangular
room.
Window lighting causes glare on the video display screens. Viewing screens
under these circumstances can cause eye strain. Try to provide a windowless
room or one which does not receive direct sunlight.
Areas for displaying information and student work are desirable: bulletin
boards, marker boards. NO CHALK BOARDS because they produce large quantities
of dust.
Electrical Power and Lighting
Electrical. Place computer room on a separate electrical circuit. Equipment
in the computer room should not be on the same circuit with other equipment in
the building. Equipment or appliances with large power consumption, such as
kitchen appliances, overhead projectors, etc. can cause power fluctuations and
ultimately damage files and/or equipment. Provide an adequate number of
outlets to support all computers, monitors, printers, and other equipment in
laboratory. We located outlets approximately 36" above floor height to allow
for ease of reaching and moving cords.
Install power surge protectors.
Master switches are needed to control power to student workstations; one
switch for monitors and another for computers.
A master switch for lighting should be provided in the laboratory area.
Install rheostats on the switch. Different activities require different levels
of lighting. Extensive video viewing requires very low light, while reading
printed material requires a high level of light. Thus, it is important for
the teacher to be able to adjust the lighting to the appropriate level for the
activity.
An independent temperature control unit for the computer laboratory room
should be provided. Regulation of temperature is also important to prevent
contraction and expansion of parts inside the computers. Ideally, the
temperature should be kept at a constant level.
Telecommunications
A private telephone line to be used exclusively by the computers (dedicated
line) should be installed.
Furniture
Properly fitted furniture for students can increase productivity.
Improperly fitted workstations can cause eye strain, unnatural and strenuous
posture, sore neck muscles, sore joints, etc. Pay attention to student
height/size when selecting furniture. We chose to use sturdy folding tables,
48"l x 29"h x 24"d, with intermediate sized-student chairs. The tables provide
for convenient arrangement and for easy access to the many cords and plugs.
Other
Room should be free from dust as much as possible. Filters can be installed
on air vents to help.
Anti-static carpet can help guard against static-electricity. Static
electricity can cause loss of data in both the computer and diskette.