Music/Computer Labs: Teaching & Learning Space

Each year schools enhance learning environments with technology; more computers, more networks, more labs, more connectivity. Requests for proposals for using groups of computers or numbers of digital music keyboards for interactive learning have risen steadily over the past three years. New construction of public and private schools requires technology lab facilities. University music buildings now feature digital keyboard labs, computer learning centers and high-tech MIDI and electronic recording facilities.

Perhaps not the first question, but the most critical question in planning for using new technology is one of functional use of space - new space or redesigned space. Selection of a room configuration for technology requires planning with different criteria for organization of the learning environment than traditional classrooms. This article outlines a checklist for planning new or redesigned music lab space.

The recently approved Opportunity to Learn Standard for Music Technology, published by MENC defines "minimal" and "desirable" uses of technology for schools. Using this document as a reference, a technology planner can easily determine what "should" be available to students in a music technology- enhanced learning classroom. Digital keyboards are recommended at all levels above pre-school, with desirable levels offering labs of four to eight keyboards and computers through the middle school level. High schools should have a "minimal" level of eight digital keyboards in a lab, or a "desirable" level of sixteen.

Figure 1

Facilities are required to house these additional resources and with expanding student populations, schools are hard pressed to offer new space for music technology labs. The "standards" recommend "separate, dedicated classrooms for MIDI or digital keyboard labs with appropriate electrical and internet capabilities." Whether securing new space for dedicated lab, or retrofitting old space, the requirements are the same. Multiplying the required number of square feet by the desired number of student "stations" will yield the total required square footage needed for a lab. A 42 square foot per student multiplier should be used when planning a digital keyboard lab and a 32.5 sq ft. multiplier should be used for computer labs. This figure allows for common areas in the room needed for the teacher, printer, audio system cabinet, etc.

Using this formula, a keyboard lab designed for 16 students should be at least 672 square feet in size; a room 18 ft.x 37 ft. or 20 ft.x33 ft. for instance. A computer lab for 16 students should be at least 520 sq. ft. (20 ft.x 26 ft. or relative size). Sound editing labs or other high tech multimedia labs must be increased to 45 sq.ft per user (see Figure 2).

Figure 2

Arrangement of equipment within the usable space depends upon the planned usage for the floor. Several setups are common; aisles, islands, rows, or perimeter. Here are common floor plans:
Aisles (face-to-face)

These are commonly used for keyboard classes where the teacher needs to observe hand position of students from the front of a class. Arranging students into duets or quartets is facilitated by having students facing each other in aisles.
Islands

Arranging students in smaller workgroups can enhance cooperative learning. Students arranged in four keyboard groups can easily compare notes, move around the island freely, with space to add two students per keyboard for expanded interactivity.

Perimeter

Having computers or keyboards facing the walls and surrounding a classroom allows for open space in the middle of the classroom. This arrangement has been used in general music classrooms where movement activities require open space. Also "regular" classroom seating arrangement can be maintained in the middle of the room, while accommodating computer stations. This seems to work well in larger classrooms, where space is available and in schools where "new, dedicated" lab rooms are unavailable.

Rows

This typical structure for theory, fundamentals, and basic musicianship classes allows students to observe the teacher/presenter in the front of a "classroom," then interact with the keyboard or computer personally. The teacher cannot see student hand positions without moving to the side or back of the class. Various configurations have been used for setting up "rows."

Staff at Lentine's can assist teachers and facilities planners by offering complete information on the dimensions of all equipment, furniture and peripheral devices. Information on computer space requirements can be secured from technology staff in most schools.

The path to successful use of technology starts with planning and constructing comfortable and pleasant learning environments. Planners must "do their homework" before buying the wrong equipment for the wrong space. Arranging the "right" equipment in a usable configuration for the right space is key. The message…plan ahead!

©2000, G. David Peters
Used by permission