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CSE 324: Laboratory Techniques in Computer Science

History and definition of laboratory, Laboratory experiences, Computer laboratory,
Computer laboratory rules and regulations, General use of computer laboratory, Types of
computer laboratory design and layout. Set up requirements of computer laboratory:
Room readiness - electrical, space requirements, networking, furniture, and computers.
Staffing: Computer hardware: system units, monitor, peripheral devices, and drives,
Optional items: lab printers, data projector, and scanner, Computer software.

A laboratory is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific research, experiments, and
measurement may be performed. Labs used for scientific research take many forms because of the differing
requirements of specialists in the various fields of science. A physics lab might contain a particle accelerator or
vacuum chamber, while a metallurgy lab could have apparatus for casting or refining metals or for testing their
strength. A chemist or biologist might use a wet laboratory, while a psychologist's lab might be a room with one-
way mirrors and hidden cameras in which to observe behavior. In some laboratories, such as those commonly used
by computer scientists, computers are used for either simulations or the analysis of data collected elsewhere.
Scientists in other fields will use still other types of laboratories. Despite the great differences among laboratories,
some features are common. The use of workbenches or countertops at which the scientist may choose to either sit
or stand is a common way to ensure comfortable working conditions for the cabinets for the storage of laboratory
equipment is quite common. It is traditional for a scientist to record an experiment's progress in a laboratory
notebook, but modern labs almost always contain at least one computer workstation for data collection and
analysis.

Most laboratories are characterized by controlled uniformity of conditions (constant temperature, humidity,
cleanliness). Modern laboratories use a vast number of instruments and procedures to study, systematize, or
quantify the objects of their attention. Procedures often include sampling, pretreatment and treatment,
measurement, calculation, and presentation of results; each may be carried out by techniques ranging from having
an unaided person use crude tools to running an automated analysis system with computer controls, data

Computer laboratory
A computer lab is a space which provides computer services to a defined community. Computer labs are typically
provided by libraries to the public, by academic institutions to students who attend the institution or by other
institutions to the public or to people affiliated with that institution. Users typically must follow a certain user
policy to retain access to the computers. This generally consists of the user not engaging in illegal activities or
attempting to circumvent any security or content-control software while using the computers. In public settings,
computer lab users are often subject to time limits, in order to allow more people a chance to use the lab, whereas
in other institutions, computer access typically requires valid personal login credentials, which may also allow the
institution to track the user's activities. Computers in computer labs are typically equipped with internet access,
while scanners and printers may augment the lab setup. Computers in computer labs are typically arranged either
in rows, so that every workstation has a similar view of one end of the room to facilitate lecturing or presentations,
or in clusters, to facilitate small group work. In some cases, generally in academic institutions, student laptops or
laptop carts take the place of dedicated computer labs, although computer labs still have a place in applications
requiring special software or hardware not practically implementable in personal computers.

While computer labs are generally multipurpose, some labs may contain computers with hardware or software
optimized for certain tasks or processes, depending on the needs of the institution operating the lab. These
specialized purposes may include video editing, stock trading, 3-D computer-aided design, programming, and
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Geographical Information System. Increasingly, these have become the main purposes for the existence of
traditional desktop-style computer labs, due to rising ownership of inexpensive personal computers making use of
the lab only necessary when the expensive, specialized software and more powerful computers needed to run it are
required.

Importance of computer lab in schools for innovation and entrepreneurship activities

A computer laboratory is important in every private and government school to enhance the scientific and
technological research and invention capacity of students. I don’t mean computer lab to pass on the formalities and
just to showcase that in papers. I mean the good and practical computer lab that makes students interesting and
enthusiastic about technology and science.

If there is a computer lab then students can invest their free time in learning programming, automation and to
improve basic computer skills. That will help them later to define their career goals, entrepreneurship, and job
opportunities. For skills development, students need to practice. And to do that effectively they need a computer
lab. To practice what teachers have taught in the class, they need a computer lab.

Following are the top things that students can do if they have a computer lab:

 Students can code and can build new educational apps.

 They can use document writing and editing application to create notes and write books.
 They can build their own websites and blogs.
 They can practice math equations on Microsoft Excel.
 Students can learn to use the internet in which they can pay fees online, they can join online classes, they
can participate with online students’ communities on projects and assignments.
 If students have access, they can learn, practice, and improve their English typing skills.
 Students can practice video conferencing with teachers, online education, and many other educational
activities through online computer applications.
 And the most important thing in all students can learn the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence,
robotics, data analytics, and cloud computing, the Internet of things, and many others.

I know that many parents can afford a computer these days. But the problem is that they cannot inspire their
children for innovation and research unless students are not inspired by their teachers and social leaders. And
teachers can’t do it without a proper lab, teaching facilities and pieces of equipment. I think the goal of any teacher
has to be on future challenges when they teach and guide any student. It’s not only about the exam.

But there are students and parents who are not able to afford a computer and private instructor. They depend on the
government facilitated computer education. I know there are many organizations that are involved in this
campaign. But the quality and results are not that much as expected. The government did lots of things for
students’ skills development. But still, students have to visit a cyber cafe to pay college fees, notes, job
applications. Many students have a computer at home, but they do not know what are the uses and what they can
do online and offline with computer skills. Even they are not able to help their parent’s business through computers
and the internet.

Not only that, our students after spending time and money in doing a degree in computer science education,
application are still not able to find jobs and platforms.
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If majority of students around the country are able to do the following things then I think the goal of
computer education is achieved in schools and colleges:

 Students are able to do online degrees and courses.

 Students are able to access all government portals and schemes.
 Students are able to capture career development opportunities.
 Students are able to get jobs based on their interests and skills.
 Students are able to innovate their family business through computers and the internet.
 They are able and confident to start their own online businesses.
 They are able to set career and financial development goals.
 They don’t just waste time on the internet, they get the benefits of the internet.
 And students are rated and hired based on talent, interest, and practical skills instead of degrees.
 Students are not doing degrees to become successful in a career instead they are just using a laptop
computer to learn and build skills, they are doing online degrees and along with that they are running their
own online business.

Computer Laboratory Staff and Their Work

The computer laboratory has been a very important facility for institution and organizations alike. As I have had a
chance to work in this facility I will explore the various responsibilities and the various sections of the computer
laboratory which is typical of any computer laboratory. The sections are categorized according to the work that is
done by the technicians in these various sections.

User account management

1. The user account management section is concerned with managing the various users who have been created
in the system. One of the responsibilities of staff working in this area includes creating and managing
accounts of the current users of the system. Since most of the computer laboratories are found in learning
institutions, they manage the students who are currently in the institution or manage accounts of the alumni.
2. They are also tasked with unlocking accounts which has already been blocked due a breach in the security
policy in the institution. This will depend on the discretion of the staff to look into it that the rules that have
been set in the system are followed dully.
3. They manage passwords for the uses. With computer fraud on the increase, there are many cases where
computer fraud has been done due to the fact that users have carelessly left the passwords. The laboratory
staffs in this section also have the mandate of making sure that the passwords are in safe custody. One of
the key elements that networks still lack is the framework/infrastructure that we will use to manage the
network. For this to be achieved there is need to have in place at least one management workstation. This is
the work of the staff in this section to manage these servers. It is evident that the organization and the
institution also need to have password management servers that will be used to manage the passwords that
will be used for authentication purposes. These servers will be used to manage the security of the
organization. The staff will be required to manage the authenticity of this.
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Printing management
1. With large networks being installed, there is a high increase in network printers so that there is need to have
staff to manage the printers because they are under heavy use by the network. They help the students, users,
and faculty to manage and preview their printing statements. In this case, they also help the users of the lab
to understand the changes that may be experienced in their printing statements. There is also the coming up
of online applications. With this in the offing, there is an increase in organizations who store their
employee data in the network. The lab staffs are therefore responsible for resetting the PIN numbers of the
users online.
2. They also help the users into depositing funds into their printing account. There are some instances where
the printing is done online.
3. They also add and edit print jobs on the network. This will include tasks like changing and status of print
jobs during printer downtime like when testing plotter paper. They also diagnose problems that are based
on copier/printers.
4. They also assist students to print on special types of papers like embossed papers, and using different types
of color combinations like inkjet papers, transparencies, labels and stick-backs. There are many
requirements that the printer will need to be able to print the required material on the network. It is upon the
staff working in the laboratory to make sure that the clients get the best out of the system.

Equipment maintenance
The laboratory staff is also concerned with maintenance of the equipment which is in the institution in which they
are attached. The maintenance of the computers and their accessories can be something which is ongoing or
something which is done seasonally. They can be subdivided into equipment maintenance, and supervisor
assistance. In the issue of equipment maintenance, the staff are tasked with the installation, configuration and
troubleshooting of all the information systems which are working in the institution. With the hacking going hi-tech
of late, it is imperative that the people concerned with maintaining the computer laboratory staff are well versed
with the systems and all the holes that might be a source of attacks to the institution system.

They are also tasked with making sure that the supervisors have images which will enable them to do computer
configuration. They make ease for the maintenance of security within the system because of the fact a central
management of the system is achieved. With systems being controlled from one point, it is easy to track the
various points that act as points of intrusion to the system. They also do imaging on working stations. Apart from
these tasks, they also do make sure that the computers are installed at the various locations in which they are
defined to be and also make sure that these computers which are installed are also secured. They do so in the
process to fulfill what the users of the system want to be done at a particular time.

They also make sure that the network is working and that all the points are functioning in the network. If there is a
point which is not getting network connectivity, they will always report it to the network manager who will make
sure that that point is troubleshoot. They have all the port numbers and their status in the network. Any port which
fails to function as is expected will be attended to according to the flow of the network in the system.

Projector management
They also make sure that the equipment that is used for making presentation like projectors are in good condition
always. An example is situations where the projectors have light which are burnt, it will be the work of the
laboratory staff to make sure that the lamps are replaced and that the focus is clear enough for the viewers.
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Audio/Visual
Computer laboratory users are to make sure that the projectors that used in the laboratory are functional and that
the speakers are in good condition. This should be done immediately the laboratory is opened. The will, in line
with this, make sure that the computers and the computers communicate well with each other so that the users and
the presenters can have a smooth session. Students and instructors/presenters that do not know how to use
laboratory projectors and scanners are supposed to be assisted by the laboratory staff. The A/V staff and users who
have scanty knowledge on the use of A/V equipment should be assisted in the laboratory. This work squarely lies
with the computer laboratory staff that should make sure that they are all comfortable with this equipment

Problem reports
They are also tasked wit making sure that all the laboratory assessment reports are clearly documented. All the
issues that are associated with the laboratory should be well documented. This will help in making sure that error
logs and solving of problems is made easier. With the problem logs available, the people solving the problem will
find it easy to diagnose the problem.

There should be a system where they report all the issues that deal with computer laboratory. They also make sure
that the issues which are reported on the open list on the network are well monitored so that the problems which
are persistent are well taken care of. All the problems are to be documented on a daily basis on the network portal.

Technical support
The laboratory staff is also supposed to assist the users of the organization to do their work but they should not
help them do their work. They should only make sure that they have a good working environment. There has been
a vague distinction of roles when it comes to this issue of assisting workers. There has been overstepping of
mandate by the users who feel that the laboratory staff is supposed to do the donkey work like printing. This is not
possible because they are only supposed to make sure their systems and machines are in good working conditions.

Knowledge sharing
Computer laboratory staff is also tasked with making sure that the users are trained to use the various information
systems in the institution or organization. This is done so that the users have the basic knowledge of how the
systems work. Another reason for this is that all the laboratory technicians will be at the same even level.

Conclusion
It is good to conclude by giving the areas where the laboratory technicians are not supposed to work. They include
not supposed to help students and laboratory users do their work. They are not supposed to help students make
drawing models to fit into scale. They should also not install software on personal laptops and computers. This not
only breaches the working policy of the organization but also breaks the license agreement with the software
company. They should make sure that all the works they do are for the organization they work for.

The Four Best Computer Laboratory Layouts for Schools

Computer labs are more than just rooms with lots of computers. Care must be taken to ensure that the lab is easy to
access and fulfills its purpose. Learn about the four most popular computer laboratory layouts and designs used in
High Schools and universities.

Many schools and colleges use computer labs to allow student access to the software necessary to complete
coursework. Computer labs are also used to instruct students on computer use, programming, and related subjects.
However, many institutions give little thought to the design and layout of the lab. Too often, they simply fill a
room with computers and set up the machines any way they fit inside the room.
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Why Computer Lab Design and Layout is Important

Computer labs must be designed intelligently and serve the purpose they were intended to serve. Imagine if
parking lots did not have lines telling you where to park and everyone just drove in and parked wherever they
wanted. Soon no one would be able to enter to exit. The lines in parking lots create important rules about how you
should park in the lot.

Similarly, the design and layout of a computer lab creates rules and defines how the lab can be used. Thought
given to the layout of a computer lab dictates the usefulness of the lab and increases user satisfaction which
justifies its expense and assists in future investments in upgrades. Certainly, the layout of the lab depends on the
equipment, the furniture, and space available. The purpose of this document is to discuss some basic computer lab
layouts and their advantages and disadvantages. Any of these layouts can be modified to satisfy the individual
needs of the institution. It just takes a little planning and imagination to adapt any of these designs to a specific
application.

 Classroom Computer Lab Designs

The classic classroom computer lab design serves as the default layout in many
High School and Colleges. However, it does have two major advantages. First, it serves as a great
instruction room where students learn computer topics from an instructor at the front of the room. With
everyone facing the same direction, it allows instructors to see the faces of the students with which to read
non-verbal cues as to whether students are learning the material or need more help. Second, it is similar to
the layout of other classroom environment emphasizing that the students are there to learn.

One disadvantage of the classroom layout is the need to disturb other students along the rows of computers
as students enter and exit the lab. For labs where students are coming and going, the classroom layout is not
ideal. In addition, the classroom layout is not conducive to team work. It is difficult for students to work
together, especially on collective projects and in peer-assist teaching models.

 Four-Leaf Clover Computer Lab Layouts

The four-leaf clover design offers the most privacy for students and reduces to a
minimum the possibility of cheating during tests or exercises. It also eliminates the need for students to
disturb others when entering and exiting the lab and allows instructors to go from student to student to
address individual problems and concerns.
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One disadvantage of the four-leaf clover design has to do with attention spans. When students are sitting at
their own computers, instructors will not be able to see what each student is doing at his/her workstation.
Students may not be paying attention to lessons or may be surfing to inappropriate websites in labs
equipped with Internet access.

Four-leaf clover designs can also be more expensive if each computer sits on its own table. Some computer
lab furniture is made specifically for this design offering space for four computers on one table or desk.

The next two designs are less traditional but offer some things the classroom layout and the four-leaf
clover layout do not.

 U-Shaped Computer Lab Designs

The U-shaped computer lab layout encourages engagement between instructors and
students. Instructors can enter the U and engage with students one-on-one. This design also serves as the
most conducive layout for computer maintenance as technicians do not have to disturb others to gain access
to the computers. In addition, students will not interfere with other students’ work while entering and
exiting the lab.

Unfortunately, the U-shaped design offers little opportunity for instructors to monitor what students are
doing and looking at on their monitors. This design is not compatible with test taking and requires many
assistants to monitor students. Furthermore, this design often takes up more space that other layouts.

 Inverted U-Shaped Computer Lab Layouts

Like the U-shaped layout, the Inverted U-shape also offers engagement between
instructors and students. In addition, the layout allows for the most convenient method of monitoring
students. For individual learning, this layout minimizes the distance instructors must walk to move from
workstation to workstation and student to student.

Like the classroom layout, traffic into and out of the Inverted U-shape can become constrictive especially
when all of the students must enter and exit at the same time. This congestion is reduced if students are
entering and exiting individually as in an open lab paradigm where students can come and go as they
please. In addition, this layout takes up the same amount of space as the U-shaped design. If space is not a
consideration, either of the U-shaped layouts is appropriate.

 Conclusion
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There are many options when designing the layout of a computer lab. The key is to make sure form is
following function. Thought and planning at the beginning of designing the lab ensures that students and
instructors are satisfied with what the lab offers. Choosing a sub-optimal layout can negatively affect
student learning and reduce the engagement between instructors and students..

Computer Lab Rules & Regulations

The computer lab rules and regulations are not there to spoil anyone's fun. We have a large number of students all
using the same facilities, so it is important that there are some procedures in place, which help to maintain the
smooth running of the computer rooms. Computers are provided for use in support of approved course work, and
should be treated as a shared work tool, rather than a means of passing the time between classes. All users must
behave in a manner that respects their fellow students, staff and equipment. In addition to the normal Institute
regulations, the following points must be obeyed:

 Computer games are prohibited.

 Viewing pornography via sites, via internal email, external email, documents, Internet sites or through any
other form on WIT computers is strictly prohibited.
 Eating and drinking in computer rooms are prohibited.
 Don’t leave rubbish lying around the rooms – use the bins provided. If for some reason, the bin is
removed, please bring any discarded papers, bottles, etc, with you. It’s much nicer to work in a clean room
than a dirty one!
 No user shall, take or omit to take any actions which damages, restricts, jeopardizes, impairs or undermines
the performance, usability or accessibility of the computing facilities, the communications network,
systems programs or other stored information/data.
 Any behaviour that interferes with the work of other students and staff is prohibited -this includes the use
of personal stereos, radios or any behaviour that leads to excessive levels of noise. It also includes the use
of the computing facilities in any way which may cause offence to others.
 Users are required to take all reasonable precautions to maintain the integrity of passwords and any other
security mechanisms. It is the responsibility of users to maintain the security of their own passwords. Do
not give your passwords to any other user or allow any user to use your account.
 Any attempt to interfere with the integrity of the systems or data stored on any system is prohibited. This
includes all forms of hacking. Students may only access files which they are authorized to access. Users are
warned that gaining unauthorized access to data (including programs) and interfering with data belonging
to others are criminal offences and persons convicted under the appropriate Act may be subject to fines or
terms of imprisonment and they, and their parents or guardians, may be required to pay compensation to
those affected.
 It is an offence to use, access or store any unlicensed software on any system. It is also an offence to copy,
or use any Institute licensed software in any way that infringes that license. Users are warned that breaches
of copyright may result in legal proceedings and in some cases constitute criminal offences. The Institute
disclaims all liability in such cases.
 The holding or distribution of computer files containing any material which is offensive, defamatory,
discriminatory, obscene or otherwise illegal is a serious breach of these regulations.
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 Students who are timetabled into a computer facility have priority over those who are not. There is no
system of reserving workstations outside of timetabled classes. If you leave a workstation, it must be left
available for other users. If your computer is idle for more than 15 minutes, you will be automatically
logged off.
 You must inform the supervising lecturer and/or computer services staff of any problems that arise whilst
using computer equipment.
 When accessing remote facilities through network links, the Institute's regulations remain applicable.
Networked services administered by the Institute must not be used for unauthorized access or activity on
remote facilities. When using the Internet, students must behave responsibly and in a manner that reflects
favourably on WIT.
 A breach of any of the above regulations will constitute a breach of discipline and will be subject to the
appropriate disciplinary procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COMPUTER LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST

1. Acts as an on-site resource to individual students and groups accessing computer technology; helps
familiarize students with software; assists students in registering for classes, completing assignments, and
orients students to the laboratory.

2. Opens and/or closes the computer lab and provides for the general cleanliness, safety and security of the
laboratory area. Reports maintenance problems to the Service Request Center as they occur.
3. Enforces procedures for the use of the laboratory area and the use of equipment, supplies, materials,
software, hardware and peripherals.
4. Troubleshoots and diagnoses basic problems with computer equipment. Performs minor maintenance and
repair on equipment, as necessary. Refers problems to the Computer Labs Coordinator or Help Desk if
unable to resolve.
5. Responds to questions from students, staff, and instructors with information relating to the computer
laboratory, both over the phone and in person.
6. Maintains records of activities undertaken in the computer lab which includes tracking the number of
students utilizing the lab, determining what class students are taking and how much paper is used by
students.
7. Communicates and enforces computer laboratory policies to all laboratory users.
8. Maintains security of the software and equipment in the labs.
9. Maintains laboratory computer software and hardware according to an approved maintenance schedule.
10. Installs software and hardware as directed in the NUC minimum standard
11. Assists lecturers/instructors in developing and installing teaching aids.
12. Assists students in the use of the computers, peripherals, and installed software.
13. Orders supplies necessary for the operation of the laboratory and classroom facilities.
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14. Obtains fixes to software and hardware problems through contact with outside vendor support.
15. Communicates laboratory problems to the Help Desk, Dean/HOD, and other affected
personnel.
16. Maintains currency in the use of all software and hardware products used in the laboratory.

Students are required to bring to the computer lab only the following items:

 Textbooks
 Practical notebooks
 Classwork notebooks
 pens

Important Note:
The Equipment Needed for a Computer Lab
A computer lab is a classroom designed for teaching or studying. The computer lab should be designed with ease
of use, security and reliability in mind. There is no perfect lab, and each school will need to find the best way to
create a lab that fits the needs of its students and its budget. The goal of a lab is to teach efficiently, and an
underpowered computer can hinder the learning process.

Student stations
The student stations are the computers that the students will use on a regular basis. The processing power of each
computer is dependent on the lab's purpose. Even the lowest-end computer currently on the market is sufficient to
work on office software or for basic programming lessons. If the lab is to be used for video or photography
production, video game programming or virtualization lessons, higher-end computers with more processing power
and larger amounts of memory will be required. The operating system of the client workstation is up to the teacher
and/or information technology team that will maintain the system, but it should be locked down to prevent students
from installing unauthorized software, communicating on the Internet or doing other prohibited activity.

Management Station
The management station is the computer that the teacher will use. It will usually be identical to the client station.
The management station, however, will have direct access to the server and the management system of the switch,
be able to monitor the client stations and have a better access to external resource such as Internet or
communication software. The management station also has better security because it makes a more interesting
target for students wanting to play hacker and because of its access to external resources.

Server
The server in a computer lab can be used to fulfill several needs. It should store a copy of each workstation's
operating system. The workstations can be made to connect to that server to reinstall the operating system in its
clean but configured state in case of a virus or simply as maintenance. The server can also be used to filter the
external information the clients can access, for example, blocking Facebook but leaving the Library of Congress
accessible. The server can also store the profile of each student and back up their work from session to session.
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Switch
Networking is one of the most important parts of computer labs, and in many school computer labs, a hub or a
switch is one of the ways this can be accomplished. The switch is the network equipment to which all the
computers are connected. A switch can be configured so the clients cannot connect to each other, to limit
communication to groups created for a specific project and to grant or refuse access to external resources.

Other equipment
Optional equipment can include printers, scanners, cameras, projectors and headsets. Each piece of equipment
should be carefully considered, as the investment needed (for the printers, scanners, cameras and projector) or the
high breakage ratio (for the headsets) can adversely affect the budget of the lab and its ability to run smoothly.

Computer hardware