Computer Lab Layout

Current computer laboratory design in South African schools
My analyses of computer laboratory designs will be based on my own experiences

during the work integrated learning. Most schools use the traditional computer lab
design.
The challenges that most teachers encounter which is part of teaching in a computer
lab is the room layout which will determine which how the computer will be positioned.
Most CAT labs contain computers lined up against a wall in either rows or pods. These
layouts, due to wiring and cables, are not mobile or adaptable. In some of the lab’s
learners cannot see over their computers to follow what is going on at the board which
makes the lesson less beneficial which is a disadvantage to the instructor as well. Most
computer labs are also not laid out well for group work.
Such a computer room layout makes it hard to manage or coordinate in a classroom

that is not conducive to moving furniture or creating space for groups or teams to work.
the layouts of most computer labs are rigid and fixed and do not lend themselves easily
to dynamic lessons or projects. In addition, there is rarely room for real work, since
keyboards and mice usually take up most of the desktop space.
The traditional design is setup just like a regular classroom without computers. It is easy
for the instructor to see all the computers from the back of the room. A disadvantage
to this design is that the students sit very close together. Cheating and talking can
become a problem. traditional setup it can be cheaper. The instructor could see all their
screens at one time but the with the learners facing the wall can be a huge disadvantage
when the teacher try to demonstrate a lesson. All students can see the projection
screen without turning away from their computers besides those who seats facing the
wall.
Designing of a computer laboratory layout contributes to conducive teaching and learning

environment which makes it more crucial for CAT learners.
Most computer labs are also not laid out well for group work. The computer labs I was at
was not conducive to moving furniture or creating space for groups or teams to work.
Some of the computers in the lab are against the walls which does not allow the instructor
to monitor every computers’ screen to make sure learners are on task since the work
station of the teacher is in front of them and some of them are facing the wall. The
problem with this layout is that the teacher is very far away from students sitting in the
back rows. The classroom set up is commonly used for computers and it does not allow
the instructor to monitor the learners which resulted in some of learners looing interest
and not paying attention to the lesson.
This type of lab layout can create problems with wires due to the tables being separated
and computer maintenance. The shortage of lab facilities was a problem because most
learners interfered with other learners work since they are sharing laptops most of
learner’s work was deleted by their peers. Such as layout makes it difficult for an
instructor to move from her workstation to assist each learner and monitor what they are
doing in their screens, it consumes times and there was less learner engagement.
Such a layout provides enough space for movement and interaction between students
and instructors. Such a layout I think it encourages learners to be able to do things for
themselves not relying on their peers which allows the opportunities for instructor and
peer interactions that engage a learner’s natural curiosity.
The computer lab design does not fully serve its function because it does not allow the
instructor to monitor learners access to the computers while she is on her workstation
and learners tend to do their own activities apart from what is being taught in the lesson.
the layout is not flexible for groupwork it only allows individual work. For the layout to be
conducive for teaching and learning I think the layout needs to be changed to a layout
that will fit the size of the classroom such as the U-shaped computer lab design will work
best.

Computer Lab Layout

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Computer Lab Layout

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Computer Lab Layout

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Current computer laboratory design in South African schools

My analyses of computer laboratory designs will be based on my own experiences

Such a computer room layout makes it hard to manage or coordinate in a classroom

Designing of a computer laboratory layout contributes to conducive teaching and learning

You might also like