--- Forwarded Message from "Elma Cabahug" <[log in to unmask]> --- >Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 15:21:43 -0700 >From: "Elma Cabahug" <[log in to unmask]> >To: <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: #7527 Lab carrels vs. desks -- pros & cons Wayne, A resounding vote for desks over carrels: the line of sight for teachers becomes a major issue during lab times for this room. We have faculty monitors, and they physically go around the lab periodically to make sure that students are on task and not doing business on e-bay, accessing porn sites, or even gambling on your computers. good luck, ec Elma P. Cabahug ESL Faculty & Lab Coordinator 50 Phelan Avenue, L305 San Francisco, CA 94112 (415) 452-5020 >>> [log in to unmask] 05/18/04 11:21 AM >>> --- 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 [log in to unmask]