The ABCs of Room Arrangements
Obstructions
Have you ever taught a class in a room that contains structures such as posts or pillars that may obstruct student views?
Needless to say, it can be a challenge. Here are some other considerations:
- Keep the screen, flipchart, or chalkboard high enough so everyone can see what's on them.
- Don't place projectors or computers such that they obstruct content.
Lighting
Lighting is very important to get right.
- Make sure there is enough light in the room. Too little light makes it difficult to take notes, and can invite "sleepy-heads" to doze off.
- If the room has windows, make sure you can adjust the amount of light entering the room. Indirect, ambient light is best in removing glare. Direct sunlight coming from behind your projection screen may wash out the image on the screen.
- If your training room is used often, use light switches with "dimmer" capability. All or nothing light switches can present a challenge.
Ambient light is generally considered best for classroom training for several reasons:
- Reduced Eye Strain and Fatigue: Ambient lighting provides a uniform light level throughout the room, reducing the contrast between light sources and the rest of the environment. This can help in minimizing eye strain and fatigue, which is particularly important in settings where students are required to focus for extended periods.
- Improved Visibility and Comfort: Proper ambient lighting ensures that all areas of the classroom are well-lit, which can improve visibility and reading comfort. This is crucial for tasks such as reading, writing, and using computers.
- Enhanced Learning Environment: Good lighting can create a more comfortable and welcoming environment, which can positively affect students' mood and motivation. A well-lit environment is conducive to learning and can help in maintaining attention.
- Reduced Glare and Shadows: Ambient light, especially when diffused, can reduce glare on surfaces like whiteboards or screens, and minimize shadows that can be distracting or obstruct visibility.
- Energy Efficiency: With advancements in lighting technology, ambient lighting solutions can be energy efficient, reducing costs for educational institutions. LED lights, for example, consume less power and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting solutions.
- Flexibility: Ambient lighting can be adjusted to suit different activities and times of the day, which is beneficial in a classroom setting where various activities take place.
It's important to note that while ambient light is generally beneficial, it's also crucial to balance it with task lighting where necessary, to ensure that specific areas of the classroom can be illuminated more intensely for focused activities. The overall goal is to create a lighting environment that supports the diverse needs of educational activities.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-5. Why is ambient lighting best for training?
You forgot to answer the question!