Managing the Computing classroom environment to improve learning - A Practical Guide to Teaching Computing and ICT in the Secondary School - page 62

Task 3.3

Classroom comparison
Compare the scene in Figure 3.1 with Figure 3.2 , which shows a modern-day
classroom, and list the differences (and similarities). You may wish to refer back
to the bulleted lists given in the Introduction.

Computer room layout
There are a number of possible layouts for the computers in the Computing room.
Common ones include the following:

• Around the edge of the room, against the walls
• Across the room in rows
• Islands
• Mobile equipment.

Task 3.4

Common layouts
Quickly reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the three common layouts
above. Then consider the notes below.

Around the edge of the room, against the walls

Figure 3.3 Computers around the edge of the classroom

Around the edge of the room is still a common layout encountered in our schools.
It has the advantage that the teacher can see exactly what every pupil is doing as
they can, if they regularly scan the room, see all the screens from anywhere in the
room.
The disadvantages are:

1 That there will be some pupils whose backs are turned towards the teacher.

For whole-class teaching, the class must be asked to move or turn first.

2 The layout can be wasteful in terms of space. The centre of the room is

sometimes underutilised. However, it may provide an opportunity to have
desks for 'off computer' work.