--- 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]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Lab carrels vs. desks -- pros & cons

Hello,

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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