Creating Flexible Classroom Space: Products That Work

Due to limited space and tightening budgets, most colleges are looking for ways to better use existing classroom space. The University of Houston was faced with this same dilemma. Dedicated computer labs are not the ideal environment to teach non-computer-driven classes. A multifunction furniture solution was required.

Computer Comforts has designed the patented HideAway table specifically for this purpose. The monitor and keyboard can be quickly and easily stored below the surface when not in use. When the computer is required for class, this is the only multipurpose table that offers the student a fully adjustable LCD arm that floats the monitor above a generous work space.

Student comfort is important when related to learning. The monitor can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally for a comfortable viewing distance. “We were asked to design a table that would eliminate the inherent problems related to the older-style, glass-top table designs. Although the glass-top table was the only concept available 10 years ago for multipurpose rooms, it did not offer any student workspace or monitor adjustability,” says Frank Kolavo, president of Computer Comforts, Inc.

The HideAway table has proven to be a big hit since being introduced to the education market in 2003. More than 5,000 tables have been installed in both college and corporate training environments. The College of Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Houston is one of the many areas using this product.

Department Chairman Dennis Rodriguez was looking for flexible classrooms. Although the computer science classes would always require computer access, the math classes did not. Rodriquez says the monitors were actually “in the way” during certain classes. The HideAway table solved these problems. In addition, these classrooms are now available to schedule traditional lectures. These multipurpose classrooms are a growing trend on college campuses nationwide, and the HideAway table is a great solution.

Computer Comforts designs and manufactures furniture for the electronic classroom. Contact a representative at (281) 488-2288, info@computercomforts.com, or www.computercomforts.com.

As Featured in January 2006 / College Planning & Management

Content for this post was provided by Computer Comforts.