Say Hello to the Ultimate Computer Lab

Exciting news just hit Blahblah University. Two student lounges will be converted into student learning zones featuring new and innovative technology. These learning zones will: (1) give students access to innovative touchscreen technology, (2) offer equal access to all students, (3) promote collaboration or project-based learning, (4) incorporate more high-tech resources, and (5) help students learn digital literacy skills that are not classroom related (Schoolnet India, 2022; Hertz, 2013).

The infrastructure of a school or school district should be carefully designed to suit the present needs of system (Raths, 2018). Before the proposal was approved, higher-ups assessed what technology already existed, the room, wiring, internet access, and electrical outlets (American College of Education, 2021). Luckily, many of these things were already in place. The furniture will remain the same, but reconfigured for collaborative work. Four things were considered: ease of use, flexibility, engagement, collaboration, reliability, and sustainability (Renard, 2020). The budget was $40,000 and the university's board came in at $39,706.49.

So, what is exciting about that? Let's take a look at the details.

Devices: iPad Pro 12.9in (10 in each learning zone)

Hardware: Apple Pencil, iPad cases with keyboard, monitor, printer, 3-D printer, WiFi router

Software: Google Workspace for Education, Pro Apps Bundle

It is anticipated that these learning zones will be up and running by the start of the fall semester.

References

American College of Education. (2021). Technology use in educational environments: Module 1 [Video Part 1]. Canvas. https://ace.instructure.com/courses/1946846/ external_tools/118428

Hertz, M. B. (2013). The pros and cons of computer labs [Blog]. Edutopia.

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/pros-cons-computer-labs-mary-beth-hertz

Raths, D. (2018). Smarter edtech spend: Measuring technology’s ROI requires vision, strategic planning and some software. District Administration, 54(5), 51–53.

Renard, L. (2020, Feb 6). Choosing the best classroom technology-5 things teachers should think about. Book Widgets. https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2020/02/ choosing-the-best-classroom-technology-5-things-teachers-should-think-about

Schoolnet India. (2022). 5 reasons why school computer labs still matter [Blog]. Schoolnet:

Learning for life. https://www.schoolnetindia.com/blog/ 5-reasons-why-school-computer-labs-still-matter/