How will arrange physical resources of computer center?

Answer:

Popular classroom seating arrangements for computer labs each have their benefits and drawbacks depending on class management and teaching needs.

Computer labs in schools are becoming a more popular way for schools to provide technology access to all classes. These labs tend to be designed around space constraints instead of instructional needs, which can make teaching and monitoring difficult depending on the needs of the teacher and how the lab is intended to be used.

There are three common arrangements for labs, each providing different uses of space and addressing different instructional needs. Though not one of them is ideal for every situation, each one provides both benefits and drawbacks to educational needs.

Computers in Clusters of Four

Clusters of four is a computer desk arrangement where there are four stations facing each other in a square, and several of these clusters spaced around the room. It is similar to a cubicle setup that might be experienced in a business setting. Computers may be on tables, or in cubicles to minimize distractions between student.

Clusters of computer stations is ideal for individual work and can be difficult for groups to collaborate. The teacher spends much time either sitting at a desk using software to monitor students to make sure they stay on task. When walking around the room it is impossible to view all stations at once, which can make it difficult to interact with students while maintaining a watchful eye on other students'behavior.

Rows of Desks Facing a Board

This arrangement is similar to a lecture hall setup, and the teacher's computer might be in the front or back of the room. Sometimes rows are long with one aisle on the outer edge or down the middle of the room. To get to a student the teacher needs to have enough space between the chair and the next row to comfortably walk.

Rows of desks works well if there is a frequent need for students to watch a projection of the teacher's computer and duplicate steps at their own computer. However, this limits the teacher to teaching from the back of the room to monitor usage and watch for students who need help or from a desk at the front of the room, facing the students, and running software to help monitor each students' machine.

horseshoe Facing the Walls

This modification to the standard horseshoe desk arrangement typically with an inner horseshoe or block of tables behind the students. It allows the teacher to teach from almost anywhere in the room, walk behind students and help when needed, and reduces classroom management issues found in the first two. When tables are placed in the center of the room it also gives a place away from the computers when students need to write or do other activities that do not require a computer.

The drawbacks to the horseshoe arrangement is that students need to turn when instruction is in the front of the class or if they need to follow a demonstration. Students will have difficulties following teacher led steps because of the frequent need to turn.

Clusters of four, rows, and a modified horseshoe arrangement are common arrangements found in school computer labs. Each has its educational benefits and drawbacks, though some of these can be overcome by purchasing specialized software.