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A choice of terminals: spatial patterning in computer laboratories

Dirk Spennemann (School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia)
David Cornforth (School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia)
John Atkinson (School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia)

Campus-Wide Information Systems

ISSN: 1065-0741

Article publication date: 3 April 2007

624

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the spatial patterns of student use of machines in each laboratory to whether there are underlying commonalities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out by assessing the user behaviour in 16 computer laboratories at a regional university in Australia.

Findings

The study found that computers within easy access to doors are disproportionately more used than computer that are further away, irrespective of other “incentive” such as windows, wall anchoring or security camera positioning.

Practical implications

This paper has implications for any division within a university environment responsible for the spatial positioning of computer in a student laboratory.

Originality/value

Previous research of the use of computer laboratories in schools and universities has focussed on educational issues. None of the studies so far have considered matters of situational territoriality and spatial patterning that govern human behaviour.

Keywords

Citation

Spennemann, D., Cornforth, D. and Atkinson, J. (2007), "A choice of terminals: spatial patterning in computer laboratories", Campus-Wide Information Systems, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 76-96. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650740710742691

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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