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 fills its purpose.
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 unwritten 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
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
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.