--- Forwarded Message from Samantha Earp <[log in to unmask]> --- >Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 06:26:42 -0800 (PST) >From: Samantha Earp <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: #6577 Keyboard trays a good thing?? >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> >Cc: [log in to unmask] >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> ------------------ Dear David, Congratulations on getting a new lab! How many grey hairs have you gained in the process? ;-). In answer to your question about keyboard trays, here's one more factor to consider. My experience is that if you use them in a lab that is organized into rows (one behind the other), you need to allow for more space between the rows. Students inevitably end up sliding their chairs back some to compensate for the physical presence of the keyboard trays, and then it's hard or even impossible for others in the row to walk behind them. This may not be an issue for the layout you have in mind, but there it is nonetheless. Best, Samantha Earp Duke University --- LLTI-Editor <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > --- Forwarded Message from "David Westerhof-Shultz" > <[log in to unmask]> --- > > >Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:14:35 -0500 > >From: "David Westerhof-Shultz" <[log in to unmask]> > >To: <[log in to unmask]> > >Subject: Keyboard trays a good thing?? > > ------------------ > I am in the final stages of purchasing a new 65-70 > position language lab. In getting down to making all > the nitty-gritty decisions, I'm stumped--please > don't laugh : ) at whether or not including keyboard > trays at each student position is a good thing! Any > thoughts??? Our existing lab has never utilized > them, previously... > > Personally, I'm not a big fan of them, myself. They > usually feel rather "clunky," and I can never get > comfortable behind one. Maybe I've never spent > enough time with one to get used to it. However, as > we all know, the workstation's precious space is > quickly gobbled up by the technology (CPUs, > monitors, cassette decks, VCRs, keyboards, mice, > etc.), leaving very little room for workbooks or > notebooks. > > With this in mind, most (approx. 50) of my student > positions will ONLY have a monitor, keyboard and > mouse on the actual worksurface (if I choose NOT to > have keyboard trays). But even so, I know that all > remaining space is a prized commodity. > > I'd be curious to hear from any of you, your > preferences and experiences using keyboard trays in > your own labs. > > Many thanks in advance, > > David Westerhof-Shultz > Director, Language Resource Center > Grand Valley State University > Allendale, MI __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Sports - live college hoops coverage http://sports.yahoo.com/