--- Forwarded Message from Carine Ullom <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 09:30:38 -0500
>From: Carine Ullom <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum                          <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6577 Keyboard trays a good thing??
>References: <[log in to unmask]>

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Hello,
We have one 20-station lab with trays and one 10 station lab w/o trays.  The stations with trays are, in my opinion, nicer.  The rooms often double as "normal" classrooms and in that case, we need as much free desk space as possible.  Additionally, although we theoretically allow no food or drink in the labs, we do have the occasional soda spill.  In those instances, the keyboards hidden in the trays
are less vulnerable.  However, I've received no feedback whatsoever from the students regarding either style.  One problem we have run into is lack of uniformity of keyboard shapes over time.  Although we began with all of them the same, as keyboards were replaced (by our IT division, who maitains the equipment), occasionally we'd get one with a curved top or bottom that wouldn't fit neatly into the
trays.  If you're in charge of your own equipment ordering, then this likely won't be an issue. Our trays are strictly pull-out drawers and the mouse is up on the top of the desk (some people don't like not having the mouse immediately to the side of the keyboard).... no tilting, turning, or changing of height.
My 2 cents,
Carine


--
Carine Ullom
Director, Language Resource Center/
Instructional Technology Specialist
Department of Modern Languages & Literatures
St. Lawrence University

LLTI-Editor 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