Classroom Arrangement

The arrangement of the classroom is a factor in children’s successful learning experiences. Placing computers in an open and inviting space encourages their integration into class activities, to be used as tools when appropriate for the task. Try to position computers in a common area where they are visible to others.

Some important questions to consider when placing computers and other technology in the room are:

• Where can the equipment be easily accessible, but out of the flow of traffic?
• What other activities would be good to have close by—or far away? Food, liquids, and chalk dust can be harmful to the equipment.
• Where are the electrical outlets to support the equipment?
• Where can equipment be placed against a wall or partition to prevent children from tripping over wires or fiddling with electrical outlets?
• Where can children work together without distracting others?
• Where is an area with enough light, but away from windows, other sources of glare, and flickering lights?

Allow Space for Students to Work Together

Using computers and other technology encourages communication and provides language opportunities, important for children's social and cognitive development. Children can practice language skills, work as a team, and learn to problem solve as a part of the their daily work.

Almost without exception, students should work at the computer with others. Support this interaction by providing space for two or three chairs at each computer. This encourages collaboration and social skills as children easily share ideas, discuss their work, and help each other.

Arrange the classroom so that there is space for students to work together, and to cluster around the computer(s). Students will want to see the work that others are doing, so foster these language opportunities by allowing space for them to happen. If you have more than one computer, group them together in one part of the room rather than scattering them throughout the space. Desks or tables placed so that students can see each other, and flexible arrangements that can be easily moved to allow for collaboration work well for active, student-centered learning.

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