When you create a learning environment for children that incorporates technology, a number of important issues must be considered. A well thought-out design helps children make the most of the computer equipment, allows instructors to manage the class effectively and creates an environment that is welcoming, safe and fun for children.

The design of your center will necessarily depend on the number of people you intend to serve, the kinds of activities you will undertake and the age range of participants. Here are a few guidelines and questions to ask yourself along the way.

Choosing the Room

• Well-lit rooms with uncluttered walls and easy access to a nearby secure closet are the best environments for a technology learning center.

• Ideally, the space should be large enough to accommodate a worktable, shelving and other furnishings for activities that don't involve use of technology such as arts and crafts, reading, and group discussions.

Arranging the Center

• Spacing the machines around the perimeter and/or in inward-facing islands allows instructor to easily move around the room and offer assistance. Layouts that foster collaboration and accommodate off-line activities are particularly important if you are trying to incorporate inquiry-based learning.

• Collaborative learning is very effective when working with children and technology. Plan to occasionally, if not frequently, place two children at each computer. Space the computers and chairs accordingly.

• Remember to include additional space for peripheral equipment, such as scanners, cameras, audio or video devices, or large monitors. A lockable cabinet to store portable equipment, such as digital cameras, will reduce the chances of theft.

• Allow space for activities that do not use the computer (e.g., "read-alouds," arts and crafts, drawing, working in teams). This activity space ideally should be part of the computer lab space. An integrated space makes it possible to conduct different kinds of activities without having to physically move children through different rooms. If this is not feasible, create an activity space as close as possible to the computer lab.

Furnishing the Center

• Many ergonomic computer products have been designed specifically for children. Be careful to seek advice from a reputable dealer with expertise in the specific product under consideration before purchasing products.

• Children with special needs, including those with physical handicaps, may require furniture or equipment designed specifically for them (e.g., special tables that can easily accommodate wheelchairs, extra-large terminals for children with vision problems, Braille keyboards or special audio devices). Make sure your center and its equipment are accessible and usable by all participants in your program.

• Children of vastly different ages and sizes often use the same center, making it difficult to design an ergonomically correct space (in which users are seated at the proper height and distance from keyboards, mouse pointers and monitors). Chairs with adjustable height only solve part of the problem because seven-year olds will dangle their feet uncomfortably if the table is too high. Ideally, the chair and the work surface, as well as the height and angle of the monitor, should be easily adjustable. Whenever possible, provide some workspaces with chairs and tables that are appropriate for smaller children.

• Allow at least 18 inches between keyboards to give children space for books, paper and other supplies.

Decorating the Center

• The center should have a child-friendly atmosphere, especially for young children. Great additions include brightly colored wallpaint; soft, colorful furnishings, such as bean bag chairs and felt mats; cubby holes, lockers, hooks and bins to provide personal storage space for children's belongings; low shelving for children to store books and supplies; plants; and a "living table" with an aquarium or a small pet (e.g., a frog, hamster, or lizard) that can live in a cage.

• Displaying children's work on the walls is an integral part of the learning experience, helps parents and visitors quickly get an idea of the kinds of activities children are doing, and helps children feel ownership of and pride in the learning space. Placing strips of tackable material such as cork along the upper perimeter of walls can provide space for hanging children's work.

• Posted schedules and clocks help parents, children, instructors and visitors see the structure behind the program and understand where to go and what to do at various times.

• Job and activity charts help children feel a sense of belonging and responsibility as well as reinforce program structure.

• Special displays for parents help draw them into the program and provides them with needed information.

Maintaining the Center

• Avoid direct, unfiltered sunlight on equipment. If windows are unavoidable, try to get a northern light exposure so that direct sunlight is minimized or install blinds which can be partially closed during the day.

• Air conditioning is essential to reduce the heat generated by computers. A lab of computers can generate so much heat that the room may become unhealthy for people and damage the machines. Be sure there is sufficient air conditioning and ventilation to operate the computers during warm weather.

• Careful and regular vacuuming of the carpeting is absolutely necessary for proper maintenance of computer hardware.

• At least twice a year, the machines should be carefully cleaned and vacuumed, with covers carefully removed and then replaced. Some technicians use compressed air (found in computer supply or electronics outlets) to clean the interiors of equipment.

• A moistened rag can be used to clean the outside of the computer case. Keyboards need special attention because they are notorious dust collectors. They should be wiped down regularly, and great care should be taken to not introduce moisture into the keyboard mechanisms.

Safety Issues

• Children, especially those with mobility impairments or disabilities, should have safe passage to and from the computer lab.

• Make sure you secure conduits and wire bundles so people don't trip. Raised floors and drop ceilings, which allow for direct cable connections to work areas, are preferable to cable covers, conduits and tracks that cross open floor spaces.

• If a cable must be run across an open floor area to reach a centrally located island or station, make sure the cable covers can't be dislodged, kicked or moved, even by a relatively purposeful kick.

• Electrical codes should be carefully adhered to in order to ensure safe operation and years of reliable use.

• Uninterruptable power supply units, if used on a per-workstation basis, should be hidden if at all possible. Many of these systems contain corrosive acids and other toxic chemicals.

• Children should be informed of the electrical hazards around them and instructed not to touch the power supply under any circumstances.

Choosing a Location for the Network Closet

• The network closet should be a neat, spare room used primarily to house the server and not for other purposes.

• The room should be cool and dry, without nearby plumbing or any chance of leaks, moisture or excessive heat.

• The network closet should be secure; it should have a solid door and reliable lock in place to prevent unauthorized access. People who are in a position of trust should have the key or know the combination. Staff with keys also should be physically present at the center location on a regular basis in order to provide access to the closet.

Equipment Inventory and Security

• Inventory equipment when it is purchased or donated, and keep it in a secure area until it is installed. Write down the serial number, make and brand of each piece of equipment, including peripherals.

• The shipping labels, invoices, packing slips and other documents should be carefully examined and stored in a safe place, such as a filing cabinet. The labels and invoices will be invaluable if you ever need to repair or replace equipment.

• Keep the system documentation, manuals, installation guides and other technical literature in a centralized location.

• Unobtrusive locks that attach desktop computers to tables will discourage anyone who might want to remove the equipment without authorization.

• It is a good idea to provide labels or signs to indicate who is responsible for maintenance or problems and how to contact them. This is particularly important if machines are maintained by outside vendors or volunteers, in situations where there is frequent personnel turnover or where different people share responsibility for a facility.

• Make certain that the facility's property insurance is amended with additional riders or increase the replacement value of the policy to include all the equipment in the learning center.