Labs vs. classroom

[Gail Smith <gsmith@isbe.state.il.us>]

I can't tell you what the learned experts have to say, but our plan works very well
for us and we have seen no reason to change our original ideas as the various stages
have been implemented.

We have a computer lab, attached to the LRC (library, and more...), that contains 16
networked Macs. It also houses our best flatbed scanner, a color printer, and a 
laser
printer.  All of the classrooms now have at least 3 networked Macs and a color/b&w
printer.  Our goal is a mini-lab in each room with 5 student stations and an
additional computer for the teacher (can be shared with students also, as needed). 
The
Fine Arts Studio will have 8 student stations plus the teacher's station since they
will be used for art, graphic design, and musical composition as well as some of the
video editing projects. Our other scanner is also located here. The LRC houses 4
laptop computers for faculty and staff to check out for home or school use.

This choice was made so that with 16 computers in the lab, we could have a full 
class
working with 2 students per computer, or split a class and cover the territory in 
two
sections with each student on a computer alone. We felt that the newest resources
should be placed here for all to share. Flexible scheduling allows access on an
as-needed basis.
The classroom mini-labs will give all students reasonable access to classroom
workstations, but these were purchased after the more easily shared resources in the
LRC were in place.  We will continue to add new LRC equipment, and move what is 
being
replaced into the classrooms.  What we are replacing is still usable for almost all 
of
our projects although it may be a little slower (no dinosaurs for the students,
please)
Computer skills are not the main purpose of the computers in either place.  We say
that, "Once you have mastered the basics, we learn "with" computers, not "about"
computers."
This was long, but I hope it will help shed some light on the subject.
--
Gail Smith                                            Edison Regional Gifted Center
gsmith@isbe.state.il.us                                 Chicago, Illinois

Yesterday is history......Tomorrow is a mystery......Today is a gift
That is why they call it the present.