Describes the layout and elements of an effective school computer lab. Includes configuration, storage spaces, cabling and electrical requirements, lighting, furniture, and computer hardware and peripherals. (PKP)

Describes how Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools formed the Computer Access to Neighborhoods (CAN) Partnership, a joint public/private community venture to establish computer access centers for students and their families in 5 public library branches and 35 neighborhood sites. (PKP)

Richardson (Texas) Independent School District's Technology Center uses computer workstations in a local area network to support its technology education program. The curriculum features communications, electronics, manufacturing, and technology systems; manufacturing and construction graphics; and research and development in technology. (SK)

At one time, the Caldwell High School Library at Caldwell Exempted Village Schools in Caldwell, Ohio, had two sections--the main room with the shelves, circulation desk, and tables and chairs, and an adjoining room with student desks. There was a wide opening to the back room, and glass partitions in the upper half of the wall separating the two…

Examines how physical proximity between teachers and students differs between classroom and computer lab environments. Finds that teachers either worked at intimate (up to 1.5 feet) or personal (1.5 to 4 feet) distances with students or, except rarely, did not approach closer than 12 feet or did not interact at all. (SR)

Three educational institutions had markedly different furniture needs--home-style furniture for college student residences, high-density storage for high school science labs, and computer lab furniture for a K-12 school district. However, all used a systematic approach to purchasing that involved users, knowledgeable colleagues, and technical…

Presents a debate on which technology will be in tomorrow's classrooms and the pros and cons of wiring classrooms and using a wireless network. Concluding comments address the likelihood, and desirability, of placing computers throughout the entire educational process and what types of computers and capabilities are needed. (GR)

This study investigated computer laboratories in New Zealand schools. A questionnaire was used to obtain information in four areas: (1) demographic data, including the name of the school, class levels, governing authority, gender composition, roll size, staffing, and socio-economic ranking; (2) qualitative and quantitative data about the school's…

Schools that are planning to renovate, redesign, or construct a media center face many challenges. To help in these efforts, this booklet offers suggestions for planning and executing a media center project. It includes tools and resources that school personnel will need before mounting such a major project. Guidelines provided by the Library…

ZApME! Corporation provides computer labs and Internet access to K-12 schools in return for advertising or promotional access to students and their families. The free software and hardware may not be appropriate for realizing a school's instructional goals. Educational plans should not be shaped by corporations' business objectives. (Contains 25…

With classroom Internet access nearly universal in public schools and computers ubiquitous on every school and university campus, classroom furnishings have evolved to accommodate the machines so students can take full advantage of the technology. The desks, tables and other furniture that a school chooses for its computers will depend on the…

The population of this study included the 111 public school districts in Education Service Center Regions IV and VI, serving 22 counties of southeast Texas in the Houston area. Seventy-five questionnaires were returned from 111 school districts with a return rate of 68%. A total of 24,222 computers were reported in use by the 75 districts with a…

An interview with Steven Bingler, President of Concordia, Inc., a research and planning firm, and Concordia Architects, an architectural design firm, reveals his views on planning a learning community in educational facilities. He addresses what tools to use to facilitate the group process for planning, discusses how school districts save money…

Presents five puzzles in the shape of stars that contain scrambled letters and clues to help define computer terms and improve computer literacy. Use of the puzzles by students and adults in the computer labs of library media centers is discussed. Answers to the puzzles are also provided. (LRW)

Computer system hard drives will fail at some time. Stresses preparing to cope with emergencies that cannot be prevented, including making arrangements for use of an alternative computer in case of system failure. Outlines requirements for a computer environment; explains that backup is the key to disaster recovery. Describes four public domain…