The most important aspect of the physical structure of the classroom is the orientation of student desks to each other, to the teacher's desk, to the teacher's podium and to instructional technology, such as a whiteboard or smartboard. All activities in the classroom impact students and focus on students. Therefore, central location and positioning of student desks to all activities is essential. It is best to configure student desks so students can easily focus on the teacher or instruction technology. Also, it is best, particularly in the lower grades, to situate desks so student interaction is minimized.
The predominant instruction platform should be visible to all students. Students should be facing the platform in a natural seating position and should not have to turn their heads or strain to see. This arrangement may seem overused and boring to teachers who like to rearrange the classroom. However, what is most important is that all students see the teacher first and not other students who they may be facing in another arrangement. It is essential that the configuration of the classroom allows the instructional platform to be the focal point.
Ideally, orientation of instructional technology in the classroom should be equally focal as the instructional platform. However, sometimes physical limitations of the classroom prevent the instructional technology from being positioned near the instructional platform. Students may be required to look away from the teacher to view the information. If that is the case, special effort should be made to assure the screen is easily visible to all students. Additionally, the screen should be located close enough to the instructional platform so that little effort is required to view each of them quickly. A simple off-center glance and not a complete turn of the head is the best alternative.
Special care should be taken to assure the immediate accessibility of resources in the classroom. Student computers, reference books, supplies and other materials needed to complete assignments should be located in well-defined areas. Having designated areas for resources and making those areas known and easily accessible to students preserves class time for instruction.