computer lab in school essay

• Our Mission

The Pros and Cons of Computer Labs

I have spent six of my almost nine years of teaching in a computer lab. Over that time, my feelings about computer labs have fluctuated. It may seem silly for me to be in opposition to my own job, but there are times that teaching in a lab can be frustrating and isolating. On the other hand, there are times when I realized that there is no other place that my students would be learning how to program, edit videos, create music or format text documents.

Neither of the schools in which I have been the technology teacher have had a library, a librarian or access to much classroom technology in student hands. As such, I have found that my role as the "Computer Teacher" has actually been many roles. In that way, the computer lab was an important place in these schools. On the other hand, it is challenging to try connecting what is taught in the lab with what students are learning in their classrooms, which is, in my opinion, the ideal way to structure technology education.

Another challenging part of teaching in a computer lab is the room layout itself. Most labs contain desktops lined up against a wall in either rows or pods. These layouts, due to wiring and cables, are not mobile or adaptable. In my lab, my younger students can barely see over their computers to follow what is going on at the board. In other labs I have visited or seen, students must turn their bodies to view the board.

Making It Work

Most computer labs are also not laid out well for group work. Technology lends itself to project-based learning, and this can be hard to manage or coordinate in a classroom that is not conducive to moving furniture or creating space for groups or teams to work. Often, the computer takes up most of the desk or table space, too, so there is less room for teams to work out ideas before creating them on the computer. A lot of this work must be done in the classroom before they get to the lab, which means that, even when groups are ready to start creating on the computer, they must wait until the day they use the computer lab. This interrupts the creative and design process and inserts an artificial break between the work students are doing and the technology they are using.

However, despite this, I know that there are certain computer literacy skills students are taught in a computer lab that make integrating technology in the classroom easier. If a teacher knows that students have a period or two each week for learning how to edit video, format text, manage files or create websites, then that is less instructional time in the classroom they have to spend teaching these skills. It allows them to focus on the content and process rather than specific computer skills.

Basic pros and cons of computer labs:

• Each student has a machine. Unlike classroom pods or clusters in the library, most computer labs have enough machines for each student.
• Focused computer literacy instruction. Computer labs that have a teacher and are not just a room of computers provide students access to specialized computer literacy education.
• Provide access in schools with no libraries or funding for large tech initiatives. The bottom line is, if a school does not have a library or can't afford to put a lot of technology into its classrooms, then a computer lab is a viable solution to provide access to students for digital learning.
• Limited access as a shared resource. Since labs are separate from the classroom, they are not immediately available and are often shared among many classes.
• Technology removed from classroom. When students have to travel to the computer lab, it means that technology is not truly integrated into the curriculum. Having technology in a separate room sends the message that technology is separate from what students are learning in the classroom.
• Room layout. This could be one of the most frustrating things about teaching in a computer lab. The layouts of most computer labs are rigid and fixed and do not lend themselves easily to dynamic lessons or projects. In addition, there is rarely room for real work, since keyboards and mice usually take up most of the desktop space.

If you have discovered any additional pros or cons in the computer lab at your school, please share them in the comments section below.

• Español ( Spanish )
• Türkçe ( Turkish )

Education  |  Aug 22 2019

5 Reasons Why School Computer Labs Still Matter

In response to a rising number of students with personal laptops, educators and administrators are questioning the need for computer labs. However, while access to technology is changing their function, computer labs remain relevant in today’s schools for a number of reasons. For starters, computer labs create inclusive, structured learning environments where students can prepare for a tech-heavy future. Not long ago, school computer labs were a mainstay of the education environment. Today, not so much. In fact, they’ve become downright controversial. Their very existence is at the root of the controversy. 

Many schools provide a computing device for every student. Those that haven’t yet achieved this, aspire to. Budgets are tight. Time is a limited resource. The computer lab has become a target for sparing both. Those who favor eliminating school computer labs hold up 1:1 as the answer to all computing needs.

They ask: Why fund a computer lab when students carry computing power with them from class to class? Why take time from core subjects to teach computing when students have this everywhere learning tool? Why can’t classroom teachers integrate computer skills into their curriculum? 

The impact of mobile computing on education is indisputable. These powerful devices caused a sea change on par with that of the microcomputer, which launched the first school computer labs. Accessibility to computing power is no longer constrained by time and place.

Some say these changes portend the death of the school computer lab. Yet many educators advocate for their continued use. Below, five key reasons why school computer labs still matter in today’s environment.

1. Workstations Have More to Offer

Portable computing power offers learning advantages in virtually any educational environment. Yet, iPads and Chromebooks have their limitations. It’s a case of the right tool for the job. There are many things for which PC workstations are better suited. 

Full computer lab workstations deliver greater computing power and more screen space than mobile devices. They offer better ergonomics and full-sized keyboards. PCs with powerful processors are ideal, and often a must-have, for subjects like advanced programming, engineering, and video editing. Full-sized keyboards make for easier typing of long papers. 

Added screen real estate lets students work smarter and more efficiently. More information onscreen means less time needed to click and swap among tabs and windows. This has a host of advantages. For example, reference articles can be kept open and visible as students write a paper. 

The health benefits of a full-sized monitor are not trivial. Correct  ergonomics while computing  is critical to reducing strain, discomfort and long-term injury like herniated discs. The top of a display should be at or slightly below eye level. Laptops sit much lower on a work surface.

The result is often considerable neck strain, commonly called  “tech neck.”  Using a full-sized, adjustable monitor keeps students comfortable now and safeguards their future health. 

Don’t need powerful processing in your school computer lab? Does your school issue laptops or Chromebooks to all students? Gan the advantages of workstation comfort and productivity by providing full-sized external monitors. Include docking stations or WiFi options for easy connectivity. 

2. School Computer Labs Ensure Equitable Access

While 1:1 computing is on the rise, equity gaps persist. Many schools still lack the resources to implement 1:1 learning. 

The Consortium for School Networking reveals the extent of these gaps in its 2018-2019  annual infrastructure survey .  Forty-one percent (41%) of high school students lack access to a non-shared in-school device. In middle schools, 37% of the students lack individual 1:1 device access.

Elementary school students have the least access to personal devices, at 71%. This represents some progress over the prior year. Yet it still leaves a large portion of the US student population without a dedicated device during the school day. 

At home, the survey found, there were no gains in students access to computing devices. This, in fact, is an ongoing trend. Since 2015, 10% or fewer school districts have reported that all of their students have internet access via non-shared devices at home. 

Until all students have a dedicated computing device, school computer labs provide a place for equitable access to this vital resource. 

3. School Computer Labs Supplement Classroom Learning

Students that use Chromebooks or other mobile devices during class gain digital literacy skills in tandem with class curriculum. Students type notes. Group projects are conducted digitally. The internet is at hand for research tasks. It’s a natural integration.

As such, some educators conclude that all aspects of computer learning should move out of the computer lab and into the everyday classroom. On the flip side of the debate are those who advocate for maintaining separate computing facilities. Topping the list of reasons is limited classroom learning time.

Classroom teachers are time-pressed as it is. Covering the required curriculum and attending to students is a daily challenge. How would these teachers add instruction previously covered by a technology specialist or computer teacher? Finding time requires sacrificing something else. 

Computer labs provide a time and space to develop skills not directly related to classroom curriculum. These skills can be first learned in the lab. Then mastered through ongoing application at home and in the classroom. 

ViewSonic Education

Learning Solutions For the Future

4. A Computer Lab by any Other Name…is Still a Computer Lab

Many schools have rebranded their computer lab rather than remove it altogether. This typically involves some degree of space and technology build-out. It often includes an all-new name, such as:

• Learning commons
• Learning lab
• Information commons
• Information station
• Scholar’s commons
• Maker space
• Innovation center
• Digital commons

Integrating workstations into the school library is a popular approach. These diverse spaces are often known as the “ library commons .” Increasingly, school libraries are less about stocking print materials and more about collaboration and creating meaning.

They’re an ideal place for rows of individual-use workstations. Tech-rich collaboration spaces. Or any combination of tech for your school’s ideal  21st-century learning space .

Want to keep things calmer in the library proper? Have limited staffing resources? Try this recommendation for elementary school computer labs:

• Put 25-30 computers together adjacent to the library
• Use a glass partition to separate the two rooms
• Staff needs are minimized, as they’re able to watch both areas
• If school funding is cut, the close proximity of the library/lab minimizes the chance both will be closed.

The  STEM lab  is another up-and-coming approach. These dedicated high-tech learning spaces are designed to empower students to explore, build and create. STEM labs typically include individual workstations and decked-out collaboration spaces. In well-funded schools, STEM labs often supplement student devices and a robust library commons. The St. Thomas School, for example, provides each student with a laptop and has  two dedicated STEM spaces .

Another option is to refurbish an existing school computer lab. The lab remains in its current location but gets an overhaul of its furnishings, technology, and décor to better suit today’s learning approaches.

5. Modern Computer Labs Promote Collaboration

Traditional computer labs were designed to facilitate one thing: large classes of individual students engaged in similar tasks. They were often windowless rooms with workstations lining the walls to accommodate wiring and cables.

Today’s computer labs, library commons, and STEM labs look nothing like their ancestors. They’re also designed to facilitate a myriad of learning activities. Solo learning and testing, to be sure. But also, and perhaps foremost, collaborative group work.

Just as  classrooms are being redesigned  to accommodate today’s constructivist learning styles, so too are computer labs being redesigned to facilitate working together to explore concepts and create meaning.

Designing a 21st-Century School Computer Lab

There is no one right way to design a 21 st -century computer lab. (Whatever you may call it.) Beginning with the end in mind is a good place to start. What are your objectives for the space? How many students do you want it to accommodate? What are the ways in which will it be used?

Often, commons-type spaces combine an array of technology and furnishings to facilitate several types of learning. These include remote or online learning and research. Content creation and collaboration. Testing and studying. Individual and group work. Tutoring, studying and socializing. Even  esports club  practices.

No two learning commons or computer labs will be alike. Flexibility and the ability to evolve along with technology and pedagogy are key. Breaking the space into activity-based zones can be helpful.

• Individual work zones.  These can include an array of tech options. Smaller cubbies for use with individual devices like tablets and laptops. Larger spaces with external monitors to connect to personal devices. And fully decked-out PC-powered workstations to support STEAM learning and other specialized project work. Including some type of partitioning for privacy is helpful.
• Collaboration zones.  Modular furnishings are key to accommodating many types of project-based and group work. Ideally, students can easily reconfigure tables to suit their needs. Power access, connectivity, and charging are important considerations. Sizable, 24-inch+ monitors with wide viewing angles help students see content easily for group projects and presentations.
• Social learning zones.  Providing less structured areas lets students collaborate and learn casually. Comfortable soft furnishings and café tables set a relaxed tone. Expect conversation and a degree of noise in these areas and plan acoustics accordingly.

Monitors with  an IPS panel  offer the best features for supporting collaboration. These include the maximum possible viewing angles, both up/down and side-to-side, without shifts in color and contrast. When budget permits, 4K resolution provides the greatest visible detail. Ultra HD makes a particularly notable visual impact at the close viewing ranges common for collaborative project work. Content-sharing capabilities are another important aspect of collaboration zones. Whether wired or wifi, students should be able to quickly connect and share content.

Call it by any name you like, the computer lab may well be here to stay. The creative conversion of school computer labs is a smart way to meet evolving educational needs. These tech-rich spaces equitably accommodate more students, with more computing power and greater screen real estate. They provide a place for students to explore, create, connect and develop digital literacy–cornerstone skills for college and career readiness.

RELATED ARTICLES

Education  |  Mar 14 2024

Introducing Multimedia Learning Design in Education – By Owen Matson, Ph.D.

Owen Matson, Ph.D. introduces multimedia learning in education and offers educators strategies to incorporate it into their teaching methods.

Professional Development  |  Jan 26 2024

Why Every Teacher Needs Their Community

Discover how teacher communities provide opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow on an educational journey with like-minded peers.

Professional Development  |  Jan 18 2024

The Power of the ViewSonic Education Ecosystem

The ViewSonic Education Ecosystem blends hardware, software, and services to empower educators, enhance learning, and streamline operations.

Technology in the Classroom  |  Dec 08 2023

Online Whiteboarding vs. Whiteboarding Apps: Which Is Better for the Classroom?

Explore digital whiteboarding in education, weighing the pros and cons of online vs. native apps to find the class setup they are best for.

SELECT YOUR REGION

Asia pacific & africa.

• Essentials Archive
• EDspaces Insights Archive

Designing a Dream Modern Computer Lab

The prevalence of personal devices in the classroom has resulted in the computer labs of the past losing much of their value as spaces for digital and online learning. Laptops and tablets have made it possible for students to take digital learning anywhere — both in and out of the classroom — without being confined to a hard-wired desktop in a computer lab.

Today, computer labs have a new function as learning spaces. A modern computer lab serves as a home for collaboration, STEM programs, makerspaces, and Esports — just to name a few. With a change in the function of computer labs, learning space design in computer labs has had to change as well. The focus is becoming more about collaboration and creativity, which is aligned to what students will encounter in college and the workplace!

Computer labs of the past often only offered surface space for each desktop computer — of which there were at least enough to fit a whole class with one student at each monitor. In a modern computer lab, it is crucial to offer tabletop space that isn’t occupied by a desktop and keyboard. Configurable desks and tables can create spaces for small group collaboration and brainstorming or spaces for individual work areas.

Flexible Furniture

Integrating soft seating into the modern computer lab creates a comfortable environment that promotes social interaction. Keeping the soft seating, desks, tables, and chairs on casters for mobility allows for furniture to easily be reconfigured as virtual reality and other tech innovations enter the curriculum.

Mobile Whiteboards, whiteboard tabletops, or writable surfaces installed (such as glass windows or walls) on multiple walls provide space for mini-lectures, brainstorming, and visual thinking.

With flexible furniture pieces, a computer lab can function as a responsive learning space that can accommodate several different subjects and activities. The right modular and movable tables and seating allow for collaboration, discussion and instruction, and space for students to use their personal devices.

Computer labs of the past have been characterized by rows or a circle of desks with hard-wired desktop computers at every seat. With the prevalence of personal devices, a modern computer lab has to be able to accommodate students who bring their own laptop or tablet, and this means leaving open space where students can set up their own devices and learning materials.

Furthermore, it is essential to provide accessible power sources that do not interfere with the stationary computers and technology in the room. Particularly with technology that has higher processing power, a complex startup process, or programmed settings that reset after power loss, you don’t want to risk students unplugging anything to use outlets for their own devices.

STEM and Esports

One of the most global qualities of a modern computer lab is that it does not act solely as a computer lab. Other than being a space for collaboration and offering areas for personal device usage, a modern computer lab can work in tandem with a makerspace or an Esports arena.

Offering a makerspace in a shared area with a computer lab gives students the ability to research their maker activities or use computer programs to further explore topics such as coding and robotics. Multi-purpose workstations and storage solutions give students a dedicated space to learn and discover STEM topics separately from computer stations in a lab.

Just a few important changes to furniture and classroom design are all it takes to refresh an outdated computer lab into a future-ready computer lab, makerspace, or Esports arena of the future.

With the right hardware and software, computer labs can be transformed into Esports labs as well. For students who spend hours practicing and competing in front of large screens at stationary desks, it’s necessary to implement comfortable seating for mandated screen breaks. Rolling chairs, balancing stools, and adjustable height seating can also keep students moving as they spend time practicing their games.

In a modern computer lab, flexibility of function allows students of all ages to thrive and work in a way that complements their learning style. Just a few important changes to furniture and classroom design are all it takes to refresh an outdated computer lab into a future-ready computer lab, makerspace, or Esports arena of the future. Reboot and rebrand your new modern computer lab with a new name! Need some ideas…. Innovation Center, Learning Lab, Collaboratory, Discovery Zone. Which name will you choose?

Related Content

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the “Why Computer Science?” Essay

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the “why computer science” essay, elements of a good computer science essay, computer science essay example, where to get your essay edited.

You will encounter many essay prompts as you start applying to schools, but if you are intent on majoring in computer science or a related field, you will come across the “ Why Computer Science? ” essay archetype. It’s important that you know the importance behind this prompt and what constitutes a good response in order to make your essay stand out.

For more information on writing essays, check out CollegeVine’s extensive essay guides that include everything from general tips, to essay examples, to essay breakdowns that will help you write the essays for over 100 schools.

Colleges ask you to write a “ Why Computer Science? ” essay so you may communicate your passion for computer science, and demonstrate how it aligns with your personal and professional goals. Admissions committees want to see that you have a deep interest and commitment to the field, and that you have a vision for how a degree in computer science will propel your future aspirations.

The essay provides an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants. It’s your chance to showcase your understanding of the discipline, your experiences that sparked or deepened your interest in the field, and your ambitions for future study and career. You can detail how a computer science degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to make a meaningful contribution in this rapidly evolving field.

A well-crafted “ Why Computer Science? ” essay not only convinces the admissions committee of your enthusiasm and commitment to computer science, but also provides a glimpse of your ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively—essential skills for a  computer scientist.

The essay also gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the specific computer science program at the college or university you are applying to. You can discuss how the program’s resources, faculty, curriculum, and culture align with your academic interests and career goals. A strong “ Why Computer Science? ” essay shows that you have done your research, and that you are applying to the program not just because you want to study computer science, but because you believe that this particular program is the best fit for you.

Writing an effective “ Why Computer Science ?” essay often requires a blend of two popular college essay archetypes: “ Why This Major? ” and “ Why This College? “.

Explain “Why This Major?”

The “ Why This Major? ” essay is an opportunity for you to dig deep into your motivations and passions for studying Computer Science. It’s about sharing your ‘origin story’ of how your interest in Computer Science took root and blossomed. This part of your essay could recount an early experience with coding, a compelling Computer Science class you took, or a personal project that sparked your fascination.

What was the journey that led you to this major? Was it a particular incident, or did your interest evolve over time? Did you participate in related activities, like coding clubs, online courses, hackathons, or internships?

Importantly, this essay should also shed light on your future aspirations. How does your interest in Computer Science connect to your career goals? What kind of problems do you hope to solve with your degree?

The key for a strong “ Why This Major? ” essay is to make the reader understand your connection to the subject. This is done through explaining your fascination and love for computer science. What emotions do you feel when you are coding? How does it make you feel when you figure out the solution after hours of trying? What aspects of your personality shine when you are coding? 

By addressing these questions, you can effectively demonstrate a deep, personal, and genuine connection with the major.

Emphasize “Why This College?”

The “ Why This College? ” component of the essay demonstrates your understanding of the specific university and its Computer Science program. This is where you show that you’ve done your homework about the college, and you know what resources it has to support your academic journey.

What unique opportunities does the university offer for Computer Science students? Are there particular courses, professors, research opportunities, or clubs that align with your interests? Perhaps there’s a study abroad program or an industry partnership that could give you a unique learning experience. Maybe the university has a particular teaching methodology that resonates with you.

Also, think about the larger university community. What aspects of the campus culture, community, location, or extracurricular opportunities enhance your interest in this college? Remember, this is not about general praises but about specific features that align with your goals. How will these resources and opportunities help you explore your interests further and achieve your career goals? How does the university’s vision and mission resonate with your own values and career aspirations?

It’s important when discussing the school’s resources that you always draw a connection between the opportunity and yourself. For example, don’t tell us you want to work with X professor because of their work pioneering regenerative AI. Go a step further and say because of your goal to develop AI surgeons for remote communities, learning how to strengthen AI feedback loops from X professor would bring you one step closer to achieving your dream.

By articulating your thoughts on these aspects, you demonstrate a strong alignment between the college and your academic goals, enhancing your appeal as a prospective student.

Demonstrate a Deep Understanding of Computer Science

As with a traditional “ Why This Major? ” essay, you must exhibit a deep and clear understanding of computer science. Discuss specific areas within the field that pique your interest and why. This could range from artificial intelligence to software development, or from data science to cybersecurity. 

What’s important is to not just boast and say “ I have a strong grasp on cybersecurity ”, but instead use your knowledge to show your readers your passion: “ After being bombarded with cyber attack after cyber attack, I explained to my grandparents the concept of end-to-end encryption and how phishing was not the same as a peaceful afternoon on a lake. ”

Make it Fun!

Students make the mistake of thinking their college essays have to be serious and hyper-professional. While you don’t want to be throwing around slang and want to present yourself in a positive light, you shouldn’t feel like you’re not allowed to have fun with your essay. Let your personality shine and crack a few jokes.

You can, and should, also get creative with your essay. A great way to do this in a computer science essay is to incorporate lines of code or write the essay like you are writing out code. 

Now we will go over a real “ Why Computer Science? ” essay a student submitted and explore what the essay did well, and where there is room for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized.

I held my breath and hit RUN. Yes! A plump white cat jumped out and began to catch the falling pizzas. Although my Fat Cat project seems simple now, it was the beginning of an enthusiastic passion for computer science. Four years and thousands of hours of programming later, that passion has grown into an intense desire to explore how computer science can serve society. Every day, surrounded by technology that can recognize my face and recommend scarily-specific ads, I’m reminded of Uncle Ben’s advice to a young Spiderman: “with great power comes great responsibility”. Likewise, the need to ensure digital equality has skyrocketed with AI’s far-reaching presence in society; and I believe that digital fairness starts with equality in education.

The unique use of threads at the College of Computing perfectly matches my interests in AI and its potential use in education; the path of combined threads on Intelligence and People gives me the rare opportunity to delve deep into both areas. I’m particularly intrigued by the rich sets of both knowledge-based and data-driven intelligence courses, as I believe AI should not only show correlation of events, but also provide insight for why they occur.

In my four years as an enthusiastic online English tutor, I’ve worked hard to help students overcome both financial and technological obstacles in hopes of bringing quality education to people from diverse backgrounds. For this reason, I’m extremely excited by the many courses in the People thread that focus on education and human-centered technology. I’d love to explore how to integrate AI technology into the teaching process to make education more available, affordable, and effective for people everywhere. And with the innumerable opportunities that Georgia Tech has to offer, I know that I will be able to go further here than anywhere else.

What the Essay Did Well 

This essay perfectly accomplishes the two key parts of a “ Why Computer Science? ” essay: answering “ Why This Major? ” and “ Why This College? ”. Not to mention, we get a lot of insight into this student and what they care about beyond computer science, and a fun hook at the beginning.

Starting with the “ Why This Major? ” aspect of the response, this essay demonstrates what got the student into computer science, why they are passionate about the subject, and what their goals are. They show us their introduction to the world of CS with an engaging hook: “I held my breath and hit RUN. Yes! A plump white cat jumped out and began to catch the falling pizzas. ” We then see this is a core passion because they spent “ Four years and thousands of hours ,” coding.

The student shows us why they care about AI with the sentence, “ Every day, surrounded by technology that can recognize my face and recommend scarily-specific ads ,” which makes the topic personal by demonstrating their fear at AI’s capabilities. But, rather than let panic overwhelm them, the student calls upon Spiderman and tells us their goal of establishing digital equality through education. This provides a great basis for the rest of the essay, as it thoroughly explains the students motivations and goals, and demonstrates their appreciation for interdisciplinary topics.

Then, the essay shifts into answering “ Why This College? ”, which it does very well by honing in on a unique facet of Georgia Tech’s College of Computing: threads. This is a great example of how to provide depth to the school resources you mention. The student describes the two threads and not only why the combination is important to them, but how their previous experiences (i.e. online English tutor) correlate to the values of the thread: “ For this reason, I’m extremely excited by the many courses in the People thread that focus on education and human-centered technology. ”

What Could Be Improved

This essay does a good job covering the basics of the prompt, but it could be elevated with more nuance and detail. The biggest thing missing from this essay is a strong core to tie everything together. What do we mean by that? We want to see a common theme, anecdote, or motivation that is weaved throughout the entire essay to connect everything. Take the Spiderman quote for example. If this was expanded, it could have been the perfect core for this essay.

Underlying this student’s interest in AI is a passion for social justice, so they could have used the quote about power and responsibility to talk about existing injustices with AI and how once they have the power to create AI they will act responsibly and help affected communities. They are clearly passionate about equality of education, but there is a disconnect between education and AI that comes from a lack of detail. To strengthen the core of the essay, this student needs to include real-world examples of how AI is fostering inequities in education. This takes their essay from theoretical to practical.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a novice trying your hand at college application essays, the review and editing process is crucial. A fresh set of eyes can provide valuable insights into the clarity, coherence, and impact of your writing. Our free Peer Essay Review tool offers a unique platform to get your essay reviewed by another student. Peer reviews can often uncover gaps, provide new insights or enhance the clarity of your essay, making your arguments more compelling. The best part? You can return the favor by reviewing other students’ essays, which is a great way to hone your own writing and critical thinking skills.

For a more professional touch, consider getting your essay reviewed by a college admissions expert . CollegeVine advisors have years of experience helping students refine their writing and successfully apply to top-tier schools. They can provide specific advice on how to showcase your strengths, address any weaknesses, and generally present yourself in the best possible light.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Utility of Computer Labs in Secondary Schools as Perceived by Students with Diverse Demographics

• Hakim Ali Associate Professor, Department of Education, Government Wilayat Hussain Islamia College, Multan, Pakistan
• Anam Zahra M.Phil Scholar, Institute of Social Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
• Uzma Shahzadi Assistant Professor, Department of Education, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
• Muhammad Dilshad Associate Professor, Department of Education, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

The accessibility of modern computer technologies in schools is increasing all over the globe. Generally, the presence of a well-equipped and functional computer lab facility in school provides the opportunity not only to modernize educational methods but also to augment students and teachers’ interest towards the efficient use of computer technology along with access to quality education. In line with prevailing global trends, federal and provincial governments in Pakistan especially Government of the Punjab also made concerted efforts to provide computer lab facility in secondary schools in past two decades. In this context, this article mainly focused on examining the usefulness of computer labs for enhancement of secondary school students learning experiences. Descriptive survey design was used to achieve the objectives of this study in which a self-developed questionnaire designed on Likert five-point format was administered to 320 sample students selected from 32 secondary schools using cluster and stratified random sampling techniques. Both the descriptive (i.e., percentage, mean, SD) and/or inferential statistics (i.e., independent-sample t-test) were used to analyze collected data. The results revealed that secondary school students believe, with a higher level of consensus, that computer labs are useful for enhancement of their learning. Some concerns, however, were also highlighted by students regarding the availability of required physical facilities in computer labs.  It was recommended for school authorities to provide well-equipped and fully functional computer labs in schools to achieve maximum benefits for students.

How to Cite

• Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)

Most read articles by the same author(s)

• Hakim Ali, Bashir Hussain , Student Evaluations of Teaching in Universities of Pakistan: Analysis from the Perspective of Closing the Feedback Loop , Review of Economics and Development Studies: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2018): Review of Economics and Development Studies (READS)
• Uzma Shahzadi, Bashir Hussain, Perceptions of Prospective Teachers about Peer Assessment as a Tool for Reflective Practices , Review of Economics and Development Studies: Vol. 5 No. 2 (2019): Review of Economics and Development Studies (READS)
• About the Journal
• Aims & Scope
• Editorial Board
• Editorial Advisory Board
• Abstracting & Indexing
• Authors Guidelines
• Ethical Guidelines/Policy
• Review Policy
• Plagiarism Policy
• Publication & Editorial Policy
• Publication Fee Policy
• Open Access & Copyright Policy
• Complaint Procedure
• Archiving Policy
• Archive Issues

Make a Submission

Note: The paper will be submited through Journal's online system by entering login detials. The paper submission can also be considered through email at [email protected]

The  Review of Economics and Development Studies (READS)  is a  Multidisciplinary, Open Access and Peer Reviewed Research Journal  published by SPCRD Global Publishing, and Licensed & Copyrighted under the  Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International  (CC BY-NC 4.0).

Paragraph on Computer Lab In My School – by Shanu

Computers are used in almost every walk of life. Actually we live in a time where everything is largely dependent on the use of the computers.

They have a wide variety of applications in science, education, defense, business and many other sectors.

Computer education in school helps the children to get access to the extensive world of information. Students can find any information that they desire with the help of a computer. Almost every school nowadays has a computer lab of their own. Such labs are quite imperative in educating the children about the wise and efficient use of the computer.

Children can learn to make various subject related researches using the computer; also they can use it to make various projects in school. Likewise my school also has a very high facility computer lab. My school computer lab has a great many utilities which help us in understanding the various aspects of the subject.

Key Features:

ADVERTISEMENTS:

My school computer lab is very special because it incorporates a great many of essential and useful features in itself. The lab houses more than 20 computers and the computers in the lab have the recent versions of the software. It has a hard writing surface on each computer table, so that the students have no problem while taking notes. My school computer lab also has a high speed internet with which helps us greatly in doing any research work.

It also has a whiteboard and flip chart sheets as well as markers for making it simpler to teach for the teachers. Additionally, the school computer lab has convenient air circulation system. A good air circulation system is quite important in a computer lab for mainly two reasons, firstly so as to protect the components from overheating and secondly for the comfort of the users.

Importance of a Lab:

As said earlier, our lives in these modern times are heavily dependent on the use of computers. We need to make the future generation well equipped with the use of computers. Hence, it is highly imperative to include computer education in the school curriculum. My school computer lab, like other labs essentially provides access to various resources to the students.

It also helps in teaching the students about the versatile nature of the computers. It is actually the same multi faceted nature of these machines that make them highly important for the students. Whether it is for research purposes, or for creating a digital document on it or for taking out a print out of your document, computer labs are one resource that are critical for almost everyone in the school.

Conclusion:

Since its launch, computers have been the way towards the future. It is predicted that in the future almost 97% of our daily activities will depend in one way or the other on the use of computers. The educators at my school have understood the importance of computer education and they are doing everything in their hands to give it to each and every one of its students. Providing us with computer labs is one great step take by the school authorities towards teaching computer literacy within the school.

Related Articles:

• Paragraph on Computer Education – by Rajan Karle
• Paragraph on the Computer Revolution in India
• Short Paragraph on Computer and Internet
• Short Paragraph on My Computer (450 Words)

Batchelor Institute Press Online Store

Because first nations knowledge matters, essay on school computer lab, essay on my school computer lab.

• cultural frame essay
• college math homework format
• frog dissection homework
• homework articles pros and cons
• essay on inter school competition
• scholarship essay samples financial need
• essay on computer science education
• international business essay topics
• student nurse essay examples
• essay on a place you visited recently
• help me with my homework google
• essay on school days in hindi
• how long should it take to write a 5 page essay
• Create new account
• Request new password