[WEB4LIB] Computer Training Room Specifications

[Steve Garwood]

     Ok I know this is a dream, but I want it:

     Well I'd get as big a room as I could (but still be quaint), the
computer stations would ensure that trainees had line of site access to the
trainer, however no more than 12-15 workstations max for trainings.
Computers would be "amazingly" fast (600mhz minimum/128mb RAM) with 17"
monitors. T1/T3 access to the room. In the room would be plants, the walls
would be a nice neutral color with posters, painting etc. (I hate white
rooms and if being videotaped everything get "glarey"). I would name all the
computers too - 7 dwarves, Santa's reindeer, existential philosophers, etc..
And, the room would be sparkly clean.

     There would be a trainers workstation in the front of the room that
could control/capture the trainees computers and see what they're seeing on
their screens. There would be a roof mounted projection system. DIMMER
switches on the lights so it could be adjusted based on the audience. As
comfortable chairs as possible for long trainings. There would be a large
dry erase board, a screen I could use to project (which preferably wouldn't
block the dry erase board in case I needed to write something).  Two
disabled workstations which table tops could be heightened or lowered and
come complete with some type of web surfing software (Jaws, etc.).  I'd have
web-cams and microphones in case your going to teach multimedia. At least 2
scanners in case you'll be teaching that, at least 2 zip drives and a cd
burner. A black and white printer and a color printer also. Some type of
amplification system with a wireless lavaier (Seniors 2 feet away from me
often can't hear even when I'm yelling), a wireless mouse (they're awesome).
Additionally, there would be ez computer access for trainers to develop
materials, server space to house materials, a good budget for handouts and
training publications, and some type of money for toys/prizes for training
games. A water fountain/cooler just outside the room would be awesome too.
Lots of computer disks.

     For applications - MS Office Professional, IE, NN, MS FrontPage (comes
with Office Professional), Macromedia Dreamweaver, and a straight html
editor, Adobe plug-ins and Acrobat, Shockwave plug-ins, Ariel,
Photoshop/Corel PhotoDraw, Paintshop Pro ($100), an ftp client - cuteftp or
msftp, some type of security software like Fortress (you'll need it) and I'd
run it on Windows NT with a good administrator handy. Please, Please, make
sure all the desktops look the same.

    Hmmm, of course if you want cutting edge I might recommend 8-12 bleeding
edge laptops with wireless LAN technology, and all the applications listed
above. That way you'd be mobile.

    In my opinion, the most important thing - there would ALWAYS be a WELL
TRAINED assistant for the trainer in the room.

 Hope this helps,

 Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: Pinkham, Lida [mailto:LPinkham at plcmc.lib.nc.us]
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2000 11:46 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Computer Training Room Specifications


If the sky was the limit, what would the specifications look like for your
ideal computer training room? A room that would be used to train both staff
and the public on computer applications and that would be accessible to
those with disabilities.  Computer applications would not only include the
basics like the internet and wordprocessing, but also some web design and
graphics programs.

I'm looking for cutting edge ideas with a practical application.

Thanks!

Lida Pinkham
Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
Library Resource Trainer
704-353-0631 (phone)
704-366-8633 (fax)

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