Adapting to Future Needs With Innovative Technological Learning Environments

Technology is everywhere. Laptop computers, PDAs, smart phones—all enhance our lives yet create special challenges and concerns in educational environments. With proper planning and furnishings, "Smart” classrooms and computer labs can become show places, demonstrating a school’s vision and commitment to advanced technological learning environments. Even with increasingly available wireless environments, convenient access to power remains critical due to demands on battery power for wireless laptops and other devices.

Use collective technological know-how from the number one provider of educational furniture to make your computer classroom or lab the best fit for your students and faculty. KI can help you plan your computer classroom or lab to accommodate equipment, facilitate various uses, enhance accessibility and adapt to changes in the future.

Colleges and universities typically need to provide for technology/ power access in residence halls, student unions, resource centers, computer labs and computer classrooms.

Space & Capacity

It is important to provide adequate work surface space for notebooks, papers, monitors, and CPUs (if not placed on a bracket below the worksurface). Keyboard drawers house the keyboard at a comfortable level and also provide dust protection when closed.

Consider whether the space will be used for instructor-based activities or individual-based activities. Consider what type of hardware will need to be accommodated (traditional or flatscreen monitor, or laptop computers and other mobile technology). Consider the infeed locations provided in the room (floor fed or wall fed). Also consider the level of visual privacy needed in each application. Dividers between workspaces are recommended for individual-based activities (computer lab, study and research). They are not generally used in rooms catering to instructor-based activities. Consider the length of time a typical user will spend at the workstation, the mount of supervision the space receives, as well as cleaning and maintenance requirements.

Sometimes spaces need to adapt to multiple uses. Convert interactive classrooms into high-tech computer classroooms with the simple touch of a button. Storage systems for laptop computers and flatscreen monitors maximize worksurface space and improve equipment security. Instructors can lock down entire classrooms of laptops or flatscreens (with keyboards) with keyless remotes ... a KI exclusive.

Spatial Considerations
Worksurface Depth                        24" to 30" (24" is adequate for flatscreen monitors.
                                                  30" is recommended for traditional monitors.)
Worksurface Width                        36" to 48" (1 user) 
                                                  60" to 72" (2 user)
Worksurface Height                       29" to 30"
Worksurface Stand-Up Height         38"
Adjustable Worksurface Height       24" to 41"
Wheelchair Access / ADA height      32"

Power and Data

Computers require numerous cables for power and data support (either floor fed or wall fed). Effective cable management eliminates clutter, improves an area’s appearance, reduces the risk of accidental disconnects and provides protection from cross-talk interference on power and data lines.

Utilizing rear beam power capabilities in back-to-back powered table arrangements significantly reduces the number of power components needed and results in an overall cost savings. Advanced capabilities of powered table systems reduce the cost of the infrastructure required in an area by reducing the need for conduit and multiple drops.

Talk with your educators and instructors to gain their input on room layout and design. Different configurations may be needed to accommodate varied teaching styles. The room configurations featured here are solid solutions to providing adequate space for technological uses while providing optimal capacity.

Computer labs benefit from privacy dividers and smaller groupings to lessen distractions. See the Back-to-Back and Pinwheel configurations. Computer classrooms need to utilize space strategically and foster collaboration and interaction. See the Wedge and Straight Row configurations.

Straight Row
Optimal capacity. Can be disturbing due to the need to pass behind other students to reach center workspaces.

Wedge
Improved sightlines (over straight row). Innovative, contemporary appearance.

Pinwheel
Interesting in appearance. Tends to be quieter. Ideal for smaller number of students. Dividers improve privacy and concentration.

Back-to-Back
Efficient. Reduces number of power components needed. Lowers costs. Dividers improve privacy and concentration.

Computer Room/Lab Configurations

For more information about KI's Computer Lab furniture solutions, contact a KI representative today.