Thomas' Work Space

Receded computer screens would save us having to rename the LRC  learning environment from “face-to-face” to “face-hidden-behind-screen-from-face”, and are especially good for communicative language class activities that are not computer-mediated, but only –aided. Receded screens also provide pretty good privacy, and are essential for written exam integrity.

1. Problem: Rear connectors of computers get disconnected or even damaged. Input  (keyboard, mouse, microphone) and output devices (headset) get disconnected connected and therefore fails to work. Damaged equipment needs to be ordered and replaced, at considerable cost of time and money ($TBA per Sanako cable). It is too time-consuming to test equipment functionality (30 headsets and mice and keyboards) before each assessments and exam.
2. Example of student in seat:
3. We have observed these and similar damages regularly: 
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   3. Cause: Our language lab computer desks and rows are too narrow, for individual student sitting in front of the computer, not to mention classes moving in and out of their seats
   4. Other requirements:
      1. We need to have equipment plugged in the rear connectors of the computer and cable-tied to prevent students from trying to adjust or “fix” computers by re-plugging the equipment (often improperly, making them fail to work), and also because there is limited desk surface in front of the computers, given keyboard and mouse need to fit in front.
      2. For the functionality of the Sanako digital audio language lab system, we especially need to make sure,  that the headset is plugged in on the same USB port in all computers.

   5. Solutions that we have

      1. already tried
         1. we have tied down the connectors with cable ties, but this has not worked sufficiently.

      2. yet to try: is there a way

         1. to permanently attach computers in a different, safer position on the existing furniture?
         2. or to buy and install different furniture, computers seated under desks inaccessible for end user and locked?

1. Sanako Exam is an add-on at additional cost and not currently available in our setup.
   1. Sanako Exam teacher-created content is stored locally, file management beyond that is up to the user. This makes such polls less portable, but potentially sharing within a department might be easier.
   2. Student Results can be identified by student, and saved.
2. View here a screencast demo of how a Sanako Exam can be
   1. authored and
   2. deployed.

1. Objective:
   1. to support new requirements in LCS
      1. increased and further increasing 1-on-1 tutoring and small group collaboration spaces for the (current) hybrid Spanish program and  tele-taught LCTL (imminent: Hindi) programs,
      2. collaborative presentation and multimedia (e.g. ePortfolio projects) in other languages,
      3. circulation of multimedia equipment to teachers and students
   2. with
      1. small group work spaces
      2. which we free up by streamlining the workflow (cope with higher traffic, keep accurate records, monitor repair state  and provide hands-on instructions) for the increased tech equipment circulation needs (and to make up for one lost office)
2. Action proposed:
   1. centralize circulation desk & materials in COED436, with storage, student assistants, supervisor in fishbowl, and walkup circulation counter;
   2. equip the freed-up spaces 431,433&435a/b with furniture (portable walls, seats,desks,insulation) and technology (power, internet access) for tutoring&small group work.
3. Illustrations:
   1. inspiration from other institutions:
      1. Shared computer screen small group collaboration spaces
         1. UNCC Atkins library installation by TBA: We would need better sound insulation to accommodate multiple tutors and groups for currently 12 languages taught:
         2. Rhodes College. We would prefer booths with tables (for laptops, notebooks) to easy chairs.
         3. Computer science collaboration spaces, Durham University, UK. For foreign language exchanges, we would want better sound proofing:
         4. Rhodes College. whiteboard writable walls would be excellent space savers for small group workspaces:
         5. The Atkins library videoconferencing facility: For small groups in (many different) LCTL, one would better set up a more intimate facility with better audio, possibly with facilities for directed audio channels and possibly breakout groups which are a requirement for SLA classes. 
         6. Loyola University language resource center library walkup counter with one computer shared between staff and client (the LRC would want 2 computers, to serve 2 lines)
   2. to document our current facilities:
      1. To the right: Coed 434 (large classroom). To the left: Coed433 (reception area part which should be converted into 2-3 small group workspaces:
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         2. 
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      2. Rooms to be converted into small group workspaces:
         1. Storage Coed435a, to become teleconferencing or pair workspace:
         2. Storage Coed4355b, to become teleconferencing or pair workspace:
         3. Storage Coed431, to become small group workspace:
         4. Coed436, to become consolidated storage area and office:
         5. 
         6. Or use this as a stopgap: