Computer labs are more than just rooms with lots of computers. Care must be
taken to ensure that the lab is easy to access and fulfills its purpose. Learn
about the four most popular computer laboratory layouts and designs used in High
Schools and universities.
Many high schools and colleges use computer labs to allow student access to
the software necessary to complete coursework. Computer labs are also used to
instruct students on computer use, programming, and related subjects. However,
many institutions give little thought to the design and layout of the lab. Too
often, they simply fill a room with computers and set up the machines any way
they fit inside the room.
Why Computer Lab Design and Layout is Important
Computer labs must be designed intelligently and serve the purpose they were
intended to serve. Imagine if parking lots did not have lines telling you where
to park and everyone just drove in and parked wherever they wanted. Soon no one
would be able to enter to exit. The lines in parking lots create important rules
about how you should park in the lot.
Similarly, the design and layout of a computer lab creates rules and defines
how the lab can be used. Thought given to the layout of a computer lab dictates
the usefulness of the lab and increases user satisfaction which justifies its
expense and assists in future investments in upgrades.
Certainly, the layout of the lab depends on the equipment, the furniture, and
space available. The purpose of this document is to discuss some basic computer
lab layouts and their advantages and disadvantages.
Any of these layouts can be modified to satisfy the individual needs of the
institution. It just takes a little planning and imagination to adapt any of
these designs to a specific application.
Classroom Computer Lab Designs
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The classic classroom
computer lab design serves as the default layout in many High School and
Colleges. However, it does have two major advantages. First, it serves as a
great instruction room where students learn computer topics from an instructor
at the front of the room. With everyone facing the same direction, it allows
instructors to see the faces of the students with which to read non-verbal cues
as to whether students are learning the material or need more help. Second, it
is similar to the layout of other classroom environment emphasizing that the
students are there to learn.
One disadvantage of the classroom layout is the need to disturb other
students along the rows of computers as students enter and exit the lab. For
labs where students are coming and going, the classroom layout is not ideal. In
addition, the classroom layout is not conducive to team work. It is difficult
for students to work together, especially on collective projects and in
peer-assist teaching models.
Four-Leaf Clover Computer Lab Layouts
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The four-leaf clover
design offers the most privacy for students and reduces to a minimum the
possibility of cheating during tests or exercises. It also eliminates the need
for students to disturb others when entering and exiting the lab and allows
instructors to go from student to student to address individual problems and
concerns.
One disadvantage of the four-leaf clover design has to do with attention
spans. When students are sitting at their own computers, instructors will not be
able to see what each student is doing at his/her workstation. Students may not
be paying attention to lessons or may be surfing to inappropriate websites in
labs equipped with Internet access.
Four-leaf clover designs can also be more expensive if each computer sits on
its own table. Some computer lab furniture is made specifically for this design
offering space for four computers on one table or desk.
The next two designs are less traditional but offer some things the classroom
layout and the four-leaf clover layout do not.
U-Shaped Computer Lab Designs
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The U-shaped computer
lab layout encourages engagement between instructors and students. Instructors
can enter the U and engage with students one-on-one. This design also serves as
the most conducive layout for computer maintenance as technicians do not have to
disturb others to gain access to the computers. In addition, students will not
interfere with other students’ work while entering and exiting the lab.
Unfortunately, the U-shaped design offers little opportunity for instructors
to monitor what students are doing and looking at on their monitors. This design
is not compatible with test taking and requires many assistants to monitor
students. Furthermore, this design often takes up more space that other
layouts.
Inverted U-Shaped Computer Lab Layouts
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Like the U-shaped
layout, the Inverted U-shape also offers engagement between instructors and
students. In addition, the layout allows for the most convenient method of
monitoring students. For individual learning, this layout minimizes the distance
instructors must walk to move from workstation to workstation and student to
student.
Like the classroom layout, traffic into and out of the Inverted U-shape can
become constrictive especially when all of the students must enter and exit at
the same time. This congestion is reduced if students are entering and exiting
individually as in an open lab paradigm where students can come and go as they
please. In addition, this layout takes up the same amount of space as the
U-shaped design. If space is not a consideration, either of the U-shaped layouts
is appropriate.
Conclusion
There are many options when designing the layout of a computer lab. The key
is to make sure form is following function. Thought and planning at the
beginning of designing the lab ensures that students and instructors are
satisfied with what the lab offers. Choosing a sub-optimal layout can negatively
affect student learning and reduce the engagement between instructors and
students.
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