--- Forwarded Message from Deanne Cobb <[log in to unmask]> ---

>From: Deanne Cobb <[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: [log in to unmask]
>Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 12:21:53 -0600
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum    <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6064 Recommended width of lab stations (!)
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References: <[log in to unmask]>
>Priority: NORMAL

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To offer another idea:

What our lab here did to offer the 
students the space but reduce the space 
in the required room was quite different 
from what is being offered.  The benches 
that hold the computers (ours are 
stationed around the perimeter of the 
room) are two-tiered and deep.  The top 
tier is half the depth of the lower tier 
and holds the monitor and the headset 
holders.  The bottom tier holds the 
computer (turned on its side) and then 
fixed to the bottom of the tables are a 
pull-out shelf that holds the keyboard.  
The computer is pushed to the back of the
second tier allowing for adequate writing
space at the front.  The keyboard is 
easily slid out of the way by pushing in 
the pull-out shelf.  This set-up has 
allowed us to compress more workspace 
into a smaller area, allow the students 
still room to write but also helps in the
security of the room.  Students have a 
much harder time reaching to the back of 
the computer to unhook the keyboard or 
the mouse or the computer, etc because 
the area is just big enough for the 
machine and the top shelf makes it 
impossible to get to the back of the 
machine from the top.  (It does make it a
bit awkward for us when something does 
need to be unhooked or rehooked up - but 
manageable nonetheless).  We're happy 
with the design.

Hope you find something that works best 
for you.

Deanne