[elearning] new computer lab - ideas?

[Cameron Bell]

I'll add my two cents to the discussion - helps me reflect on what I've learnt over the years as well.  ;)
I'll preface it by saying that I have a natural preference not to have labs/pods at all - I believe the most powerful use of ICT is when the tool is integrated into the "normal" classroom environment. When you have labs/pods, you tend to have "computer lessons" and "non-computer lessons", rather than simply using the tool when needed. Labs are good for ICT classes, but not for much else.
But since you are going with the lab, I would recommend from a maintenance/durability pov that desktops are the go. Less wireless stress and the inevitable battery issues that come with laptops. You still get better "bang for your buck" with desktops. The saved money could be spent on creating the inspiring decor you want or digital cameras etc.
The key advantage of laptops is their mobility but if you are simply locating them in the one room then that advantage is moot. If there was a chance that the laptops were going to used "out and about" then I would say go for it, but not for simply plonking them in a lab. 
You could encourage group work by building in extra spacing between the screens?
From a supervision pov the visible screens around the room wins hands down. I am not sure what your cohort is like (and I am secondary, nor primary), but laptops and island benches that prevent you seeing the screens is not helpful.
What sort of classes do you envisage using it and how?
"How to use computers" - type classes or creative construction classes or research classes? What is the most likely use?
If I may speak bluntly - computer labs as "show pieces" are, how-you-say, very nineties? Who does it impress these days?
For P-6, you may want to consider a "learning lab" as opposed to a "computer lab" that does have laptops, but the ICT is not the major focus. They are hidden and used "as required" but with another theme for the room? Maybe it has fluid/adjustable themes term by term?
The idea of movable tables in this context sounds great! Now that would be impressive to me as a parent.
Hmmm - I seem to have bagged laptops then recommended them - no wonder I confuse people.
It really comes down to how the room is going to be used most of the time.
 
With regard to the ergonomics, it really is only an issue with ongoing repeated use, if it is a lab that is visited every now and then, I can't see it being an issue at all which ever way you go.

Just my musings / suggestions on how I see things.
 It's always very exciting to be able to start from scratch and see a vision materialise.
Cheers and good luck!
Cameron



On 22/06/2010, at 5:43 PM, Paul wrote:

> We are lucky enough that we are about to convert a classroom into a computer lab for use by our prep - 6 students.
> We are in discussion about whether to set it up as a conventional computer lab with just desktops, or to have a combination of desktops and laptops.
> If we went for desktops around the back of the room, and laptops on some sort of moveable tables in the middle it would allow the room to be used for other purposes.
> It will be in a room next to a staff room, so it would be good to be able to open up the double doors and extend the staff room into the lab when necessary.
> Perhaps these middle tables could be low tables with ottomans around them? 
> In this case we might hang power supply cables from the roof above the tables?
> Perhaps the laptops could be kept in a cage where they charge, and then be taken out for use on a combination of ottoman tables and bean bags?
> Or should we just have 28 desktops arranged around the back of the room and on a couple of island desks in the middle?
> Another idea would be to go with a full class set of laptops and get no desktops at all?
> What's the theory about the ergonomics of kids using laptops as opposed to desktops?
> As to colours in the lab, I'm thinking lime green, maybe a bit of burnt orange, and definitely nice timber desktops.
> The room is right next to where we are having a new entry built for the primary part of our school, I want it to be a real showpiece.
> I have also been looking into 'interactive tabletops'.. I've got big dreams for this new room..
> Any thoughts? Ideas? Encouraging contributions to my big dreams?
> 
> Paul Gorton
> ICT / Computer Services Manager
> Narre Warren South P-12 College
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