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.

… and sent us a thick envelope chock-full of these very sweet handwritten thank-you notes.

I have twin nieces their age, so I know that it can take a bit to get them to write these notes (I am looking at you, Miss M…! ).

The little man on the screen they mention, that can talk in tongues is the Microsoft-Deskbot, and the headphones they mention were connected to a Sanako Study 1200 digital audio lab.

I hope we can upgrade all this to Windows 7 this summer, and that the Language Academy will be back next spring to admire it all…

		LRC intrigues Language Learners VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

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: 
   1. 
   2. 
   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. Panorama with computer numbering in lieu of a layout
2. 

1. We posted name tag holders on lanyards at the bulletin board behind the reception desk.
2. When you come in, take one, insert your student id card, and wear it during your shift.
3. At the end of your shift, do not forget to return the name tag holders to the bulletin board for the next LRC assistant/tutor.
4.