Computer-equipped classrooms are classroom facilities that provide a computer, or need to accommodate a mobile computing device, at each student station. These rooms require special design considerations. The room should primarily be designed to meet instructional needs. All other technology decisions should be made to support this primary need. Thus, it is imperative to involve faculty representatives and the Head of Media Services in these projects from the initial design phase.
A. Funding
Funding of the equipment to be housed within computer-equipped classrooms may or may not be part of the construction budget. This determination needs to be made at the start of any project. Lifecycle funding must be considered and resolved regardless of the initial funding source. Given the rapid obsolescence of computing and networking technologies, it is imperative that funding responsibilities and funding streams be identified prior to project implementation.
B. Electrical Power and Data Network
Ample power and data network ports must be provided in the proper locations. Base all electrical power/data locations on the layout of the room taking into consideration the actual furniture to be purchased and installed. Design should provide one data port and one duplex electrical outlet (two plugs) for every networked device in the classroom. Consider the use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Powered tables with cable trays are recommended. Locations should not be based on the furniture plans supplied by the architect unless the actual furniture to be purchased matches the plans. It is recommended that Design & Construction be involved with both power/data and furnishings design. The University unit responsible for specifying and/or ordering the classroom furniture should be consulted to determine actual furniture layout. Consideration must be given to how power and network cables will be routed to and run within the furniture. A room is usually designed around furnishings; be sure those specific furnishings (or suitable substitutes) are purchased. Be specific when specifying furnishing - it helps in room design.
If the room is to accommodate a data/video projector (mobile or permanently mounted), the location of the projection screen will determine the location of the instructor's station. A projection screen centered at the front of a classroom should result in the instructor's station being located to one side of the screen (the students' view should not be blocked). Thus, the power and data for the instructor's station should be located to the desired side as specified by the faculty representatives. To accommodate mobile carts carrying multimedia equipment, power and/or data connections should be located where the cart will be used.
C. Computers
All computer-equipped classroom equipment specifications are to be coordinated through the Office of Information Technology for review and approval. This process will ensure that classroom equipment adheres to all applicable University guidelines and standards. Since funding of this equipment comes from various sources, other units may need to be involved in this process depending on the budget.
The location of the CPUs must be considered. If these are set on the table, they tend to block both the instructors' and students' view. If located on the floor, they can be easily kicked or damaged or may prevent the chair from moving closely to the table. The use of under-table racks to house CPU's is strongly recommended. They reduce damage to the CPU, allow better line of sight between the instructor and student, and provide additional desktop space to the student.
Each computer-equipped classroom should provide at least one station that will accommodate a disabled student (the actual number will be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Architectural Guidelines). This includes providing the following items:
- Adjustable table (not required by ADA, but recommended by Missouri State)
- 21" computer monitor
- Internal voice synthesizer card
- Ergonomic keyboard
The actual configuration is to be determined by the Assistive Technology Support Specialist in conjunction with Disability Support Services
D. Furniture
The University strongly encourages that furnishings be included in the total project designed by Design & Construction to ensure a cohesive finished product. Since a room is usually designed around furnishings, be sure those furnishings, or suitable substitutes, are purchased.
Tables hosting computers can have keyboard trays (see "Appendix C") and should have cable guides. A minimum of 3 feet of horizontal table space is strongly recommended per computer station. (Thus, use 6-foot tables rather than 5-foot tables when putting two computers side-by-side.) The 3-foot minimum will provide students with adequate tabletop space for other materials, allow room for under-table CPU storage, and allow use of the keyboard trays without the mouse pads interfering with each other. The keyboard trays should raise and lower so wheelchairs can get under the trays. The keyboard trays will accommodate right-handed mouse pads, by default, but a small number of left-handed trays could be used. Consult with the occupants of the room before selecting. The University avoids the use of "submerged monitor" computer desks since these tend to severely limit legroom and have a significantly higher cost, and tend to increase monitor glare.
Based on the recommendation from Disability Support Services, an adjustable table may be required for the assistive technology workstations. Disability Support Services should be consulted early in the project.
For guidelines on instructor furniture, see the "Classroom Media and Instructor Control Systems" chapter in this document.
E. Room Design/Layout
The assistive technology workstation should be located on the end of the front row nearest the door. If sufficient space is available for wheelchair access, it could be located in the center of the front row, however, if placing the station in the center of the row blocks the view of other students, then the end of the row would be more practical. Visually impaired students typically prefer a location in the front row so that they can more easily see the instructor and other activities at the front of the class. If this workstation blocks the views of other students, consider locating it on the end of the row, near the door. An optional location for the printer may be needed to accommodate impaired students. Give consideration to room lighting - screen glare should be reduced as much as possible.
Note the guidelines for locating the instructor's station in section "B. Electrical Power and Data Network" earlier in this chapter.F. Security System
A security system is required in a computer-equipped classroom. If the room will be staffed at all open times, then only door sensors and motion detectors are required. If the room will not be staffed at all open times, then the equipment should be laced with a fiber optic cable that is always armed. Security systems are not funded by the construction budget; for more information, see the chapter entitled "VII. Security Systems" within this document.
Please note that the layout of the room does impact the security system costs if a fiber lacing system is to be used. In general, longer rows of workstations are less expensive to lace than short rows. While pedagogical concerns typically take precedence over cost differences, cost differences can be significant and should be considered.
G. Instructor Control and Classroom Media System
Most computer-equipped classrooms require some type of instructor control system. These systems allow multiple media input devices (computers, VCRs, laser disc players, document cameras, etc.) to be sent to the data/video projector for display. Some provide remote control of room lighting, window coverings, etc. They vary widely in functionality and cost. Specific needs should be identified by the "owning" faculty representatives and the ultimate selection determined by what can be accommodated by the project budget.
If a "control center" podium is to be used, the faculty representative should decide between a "smart" podium (all electronics embedded in the podium) and a Niemeyer podium (see Appendix B) as soon as possible.
H. Location of Room
Consideration should be given to accessibility for persons with disabilities. For security reasons, computer-equipped classrooms should not be located on the first floor unless no other location is available.