Describes the development of a computer lab for freshman high school students. Questions to consider when planning a computer environment are suggested; software and hardware selection is discussed; room arrangements are considered; issues related to buying and installing software are described, including site licensing; and the computer…

Describes how renovation can transform a school to a state-of-the-art facility without having to work from the ground up. Examined are the planning and design phases, the outer structure upgrading, the installation of more efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and renovation costs. (GR)

Discusses design of physical environment for an early childhood program. Provides six starting points and pertinent questions for redesigning: start from the end and work forward; do your research; who's on your design team?; clean out and de-clutter before you start; maximize space; and beautify places. (DLH)

Presents a three-year case study of the conceptualization, design, funding, construction, and the installation and implementation of instructional systems for an instructional facility built in renovated office space at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies. The Digital Learning Center is a 48-seat technology classroom with distance…

Four articles suggest ways to create good child care environments: (1) "What Kind of Place for Child Care in the 21st Century?" (Greenman); (2) "Strategies for Enhancing Children's Use of the Environment" (Curtis); (3) "Designing the Family Child Care Environment" (Osborn); (4) "Imagine! Child Care--A Great Place for Teachers, Too" (Haack,…

This article describes the five-step process used to design and construct a multipurpose fitness playground for students with autism. It can be followed to design school- or community-based playgrounds to meet the various needs of individuals with disabilities. This design yielded an outdoor classroom that can be used during physical education…

In classrooms across the U.S., students spend untold hours sitting at desks and tables working on their lessons or listening to their teachers. That lack of movement might not have been a concern years ago, when children's time away from school typically was spent outdoors playing and exercising. However, as children spend more time in front of a…

Describes how Head Start teachers can support children's emergent literacy by improving their classroom environment. Includes suggestions for designing the floor plan, enriching the print environment within each learning center, and making the literacy center the classroom's focal point. (KB)

Explores the nature of indigenous extended family relationships and determines its potential for designing new classroom structures in bicultural schools. Reports supporting views from the work of several educators in bicultural schools. Shows that children in family-based schools had fewer late, absent, and dropout incidents than those in…

Relates personal experiences to the challenges of the inclusive classroom. Details recommendations for inclusive classrooms, including the following: value each child's uniqueness; individualize expectations and goals; adapt the classroom environment to support children's needs; tailor staff responsibilities to support children's needs; and…

This paper describes the activities of a University of California, Davis, advisory group that was charged with monitoring campus classroom environments and proposing corrective action to remedy deficiencies and establish design criteria for consideration in the construction of future instructional facilities. A survey of faculty and students was…

A telematics and electronic communication task group examines technology's influence on the educational process as well as the physical classroom, and the needs and concerns these new technologies bring to architects and educators in designing an adaptable classroom. Technology and the classroom are examined in the following areas: the use of…

An interview with Dr. William DeJong, editor of "School Construction News," is presented concerning his thoughts on new teaching models, the advent of computers, and the media hype surrounding school safety. Dr. DeJong addresses what the space requirements are for departmentalized versus interdisciplinary education; what problems he sees affecting…

This article discusses the incorporation of architectural principles into redesigning a classroom at York University (Ontario) for a mix of university students and professors/lecturers who are culturally deaf, oral deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, and hearing. Special design features include lighting and color, noise control, furniture, and…

Offers guidelines for planning a prototype multimedia classroom and discusses its technology components and arrangement. The prototype development is illustrated, highlighting design factors like cabinets for easy storage and accessibility; a "presentation wall" where technologies may be used and assimilated simultaneously; and…