I am sitting in the David O McKay building (which, for those of you who do not know, is the building dedicated to education type majors) in the dedicated computer lab. And as I look out across the lab I cannot help but see the difference between this lab and every other lab on campus.
In every corner there are small groups actively talking about different projects. Computers are engaged in may different activities, but a common thread is the making of lesson plans. There are people eating while they have papers spread around them. Truly, this is a cooperative learning environment. The lap has been set up so that groups can easily work together, as well as allowing for individual work. The desks are roomy enough to allow for papers to be spread out, as opposed to the normal computer lab set up which shoves as many computers as possible into as much room as possible.
The lab provides materials needed for students to be successful and there are enough lab assistants to help everyone in a timely manner. The computers have both Mac and PC platforms so that students can use their preferred type of platform.
To the BYU education department- full props for building a room where education majors can truly get their work done in the manner in which it should be.
Sounds great, but sadly the first thing I thought of after reading it was: You are allowed to eat in your computer labs?! That would not fly in the basement of the JFSB.
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