--- Forwarded Message from Judi Franz <[log in to unmask]> ---

>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References: <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 13:31:25 -0700
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
<[log in to unmask]>
>From: Judi Franz <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #7527 Lab carrels vs. desks -- pros & cons

We opted for desks/tables rather than carrels when we remodeled our
labs. The sight lines and the openness of the room are great benefits
- the students can't hide behind the carrel wall. There is more space
for books or notebooks, the students don't feel "fenced in."
Especially if you have big CRT monitors instead of flat panels, I
think desks would be the better choice.

We found that noise was not as much a problem as we anticipated, and
the computer monitors provided enough sense of separation between the
students. Look carefully at your cable management options with
whatever furniture you buy.

Judi

Judi Franz, Director
Humanities Instructional Resource Center
University of California, Irvine
269 Humanities Hall  ZOT: 3775
(949) 824-6344 / (949) 824-4500 direct
http://www.humanities.uci.edu/hirc

>--- Forwarded Message from "Wayne Hughes" <[log in to unmask]> ---
>
>>Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 13:30:26 -0700
>  >From: "Wayne Hughes" <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
>We're in the process of building a CALL lab for the ESL department at
>our college.  We're trying to decide between installing carrels vs. flat
>desks.  Our lab is intended to be used mostly as a "teaching lab" rather
>than just for drop-in.
>
>Initially we'd chosen carrels because we thought that would provide
>more acoustic privacy for students doing speaking and listening
>activities, and also because it would be harder for students to look at
>their neighbor's monitor when doing tests.
>
>However, for a few reasons we're now wondering if it would be better to
>go with flat desks (i.e. unseparated by the sides and backs we'd have on
>carrels).  The main problem we're encountering with the carrel idea is
>that the raised sides will interfere with the sightlines between the
>students and teacher, as well as between the students.  A secondary, but
>important, consideration is also cost.
>
>To briefly describe our CALL lab:
>-- 27 student computer stations plus one instructor station at the
>front of the room
>-- each student station is 36" wide and 30" deep w/ pull-out keyboard
>tray
>-- we'll be using the big CRT monitors but the CPU will be mounted
>under the carrel or desk
>-- using the CAN-8 system
>-- layout will be 8 or 9 student stations along each of two opposite
>side walls (facing the wall), plus 10 stations (5 pairs facing each
>other) which will extend from the back wall up the middle of the room.
>
>Any feedback you have from your own experience regarding the choice
>between carrels and desks would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Wayne
>
>
>Wayne Hughes
>Faculty
>ESL Department
>Capilano College
>North Vancouver, B.C.  V7J 3H5
>CANADA
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