Computer Lab Design Project

Imagine you cleared this room out.  No chairs, no computers, no nothing.

Imagine I gave you $50,000 to outfit a new computer lab.  What would you design?  I want you to prepare a proposal.

Your lab might look like a Starbucks with a juice machine, couches and a few tables.  It might have a bunch of round tables for people to collaborate.  Your lab might have PCs, iMacs, Laptops, or iPads.  Will it have a TV or a Smartboard?  Should there be a rug?  Posters?  Ergonomic furniture?

What are some of my parameters for the computer lab?

• There should be seating for 25.
• You must budget for everything.  This includes chairs, wifi hubs, printers, etc... You must budget for software.
• This is a "general purpose" lab for a high school.

What must you prepare?

• A spreadsheet outlining how you will spend the money.
• One page memo.  Memo must start with the words "I recommend that...."
• A slideshow presentation to the class.  You will present this to class.
• Drawings or video of proposed lab.
• You must turn in a paper copy of your proposal as well as post all work on your blog.

What will I look for?

• That you contribute to discussions and documents.
• Thoughtful design and research.  Will the lab be effective? You should show evidence of research ("I emailed Microsoft", "I surveyed the English department")
• Accuracy and proper use of tools (google docs, spreadsheet formulas, etc...).  
• Presentation is consistently designed.  For example, your fonts on the spreadsheet match the fonts on your memo.

You can work in groups of 1-4 on this project.  Some of you will enjoy working and collaborating.  Some of you will work better by yourself.  

I will set a due date soon, but I expect this will be due in two weeks.

I will nitpick this project like crazy.  Be ready.