Organising desktop computers for learning

Many schools offer a computer laboratory facility to their learners and some even open up this facility after hours to the larger community. Computer labs can range in size from 10 - 100+ computers! So what are the advantages and disadvantages of having such a facility?

Watch the two videos below which take you through:

• What is a computer lab?
• Practical tips on how to assist learners in a computer lab.
  

There are various advantages and disadvantages of using technology in the classroom. Review the article below which is published on the Top Hat website. This article provides practical observations of using technology in the classroom.

More specifically, the pros and cons of using computers in a lab setting are detailed below:

The layout of your computer lab will be largely dependent on a number of factors:

• The size and shape of the space which you have available
• The number of learners which you will need to accommodate (obviously dependent on the size of your space)
• The reason for the computer lab: will it be for teaching or self study purposes? Will it be lecture-style teaching or group teaching?
• Available infrastructure e.g. availability of power points and security
• Available budget.

Depending on the answers to the above questions, one should also bear in mind the following:

• The type of furniture required e.g. desks, chairs
• Will the desks be in rows, U-shape or cluster format? (what is the most efficient use of space? This should tie in to your teaching style)
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
• Should security be a concern, should you have a desktop computer lab at all since that is a potential target? Maybe mobile devices would be more effective and safer since they can be locked away in a safe, secure area?

So you can see that there are a multitude of factors which need to be taken into account when creating a computer lab! Read the article and watch the video below - these may provide you with further insight:

Having reviewed the articles and videos, put forth your opinion on when you feel teaching and learning is appropriate to take place in a computer lab and when it isn't. Participate in this group discussion by using the forum tool below. Post at least one comment and reply. In your posts identify three pros and three cons of learning / teaching in a computer lab.