[elearning] new computer lab - ideas?

Tue Jun 22 22:29:24 EST 2010

 Cameron makes a good point. Weaving this into an existing classroom is
probably the way to go. The laptop trolleys are often good for both secure
storage and charging, for now some desktops have a place.

I saw some great stuff on the ACEC2008 study tour in NZ. At a cool primary
school there, they had a mix of different systems. Some permanent iMac
desktops in a corner, a larger collection of Macbook laptops in a trolley
that they used in the other central classroom spaces, even outside. The cool
thing was watching all the different learning happening at different
stations around the room, with different tools and strategies and learning
how they share the portable items between neighbouring classrooms. My guess
is that if I headed back there now, they would probably be doing the same
thing with the addition of some iTouches / iPads / flip cameras to the mix.
The important thing is the creative space around this technology, a space to
think, reflect, build, design, laugh and reflect. You wont get that with
just hardware. For inspiration, just check out some of the really fun spaces
that Google built into their HQ for meetings. Cool :-)
     http://www.google.com.au/images?q=google+hq+meeting+room

Regard Roland

PS: I am not primary trained and will leave this for my more experienced
primary friends to contribute ..

On 22 June 2010 22:11, Cameron Bell <bell.cameron.p at edumail.vic.gov.au>wrote:

> 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.
> I*t 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
> _______________________________________________
> http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
> eLearning Mailing List kindly supported by
> http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au - Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
> and
> http://www.vitta.org.au  - VITTA Victorian Information Technology Teachers
> Association Inc
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
> eLearning Mailing List kindly supported by
> http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au - Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
> and
> http://www.vitta.org.au  - VITTA Victorian Information Technology Teachers
> Association Inc
>

-- 
Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.edulists.com.au/pipermail/elearning/attachments/20100622/57ebf7fe/attachment.html 