Developing a devised multipurpose computer room for a large class

The paper presents the design concept and capabilities of a multipurpose computer room for a large class constructed last year (1999). The room is equipped with 150 identical workstations for students which are arranged to the form of sixteen groups for considering collaborative learning situations. It is also equipped with server workstations to maintain the LAN environment using gigabit Ethernet and devised presentation facilities employing distributed ceiling-mounted LCD projection systems. A custom-made touch panel is designed to integrate all of the control for multimedia equipment, audio and light. It can considerably simplify instructors' operations in a class. Programming laboratories and multimedia based lectures have been taught to evaluate the usability of the room. Assessment by instructors who taught in the room is very favorable.