School Furniture Blog

As stimulus money starts rolling in for educational use, many schools and technology administrators are using that money to improve or upgrade their school’s technology. Schools around the nation are also adding new classrooms, sometimes each with 5 or more computers per classroom, or replacing existing computer labs, or building entirely new computer labs.

Computer lab usage has grown dramatically in the last 10 years. Lab usage is often measured in a ratio of students to instructional computers. As computer usage in the classroom grows it is important to plan ahead for increased usage. While a ratio of 6.8 students to 1 instructional computer was common in the past, cutting edge schools may see ratios as low as 3.7 students per computer. Many schools have set a modest goal of 5 students to 1 computer.

As computers become more complex and useful in the classroom, computer tables and computer lab furniture have grown and adapted to meet these new needs in schools. Many of the most popular models now include an integrated, concealed wire management tray, keeping stray wires hidden and off the desktop where they can snag on backpacks. CPU holders are available on most computer tables, and do an excellent job with two purposes – provide more desk space for students’ work supplies, mouse and keyboard; and keep the computer unit out of the way and off the floor, far from where dust collects or where it can be kicked. While many tables are offered in a single computer model, many schools are opting for the two computer/student models, which offer greater space savings for labs.

Many students use and are issued laptop computers enable to have access to their class work and research materials on and off campus. However when they are used for prolonged periods in the classroom, it is suggested that an auxiliary keyboard be used to create a comfortable and safe computing environment. These, sometimes wireless, keyboards are inexpensive and allow the laptop monitor to be placed atop a standard computer table while the keyboard can rest on a keyboard tray placed at the proper, lower height. Visit the computer table and lab table grouping from Worthington Direct that includes accessories such as retractable keyboard trays, mouse trays, CPU tower racks and wire management systems.

With many schools switching to laptop use over traditional desktop computers, there is more space opening up in the classroom. While standard table depth is generally 30"D, a smaller 24"D table can be used with a laptop. Wire management is also less of a concern and most laptops work on a wireless network. With this additional space in the classroom room or technology lab, teachers have more room for other AV equipment such as projector carts, projector screens, reversible dry erase boards, and mobile computer chairs.

Classrooms that share laptops will find great use in a laptop storage and charging cart by either Bretford or Balt. These carts are available in several models that can store and transport from 10 to 30 laptops. Simply position the cart near an electrical outlet and charge all of the laptops at once and have them ready to go before the next lesson. Locking doors keep laptops safe and yet ventilate heat when charging.

Worthington Direct has Laptop Furniture Solutions as Laptop Sales Surpass Desktop Computers

Paragon Furniture, makers of quality classroom computer furniture and masters of clever advertising, have been "monitoring" the economy. 

Paragon has a comfortable view for any way you wish to see the economy’s condition or better yet, your computer screen.  Summer is a perfect time for schools to upgrade their computer lab and no lab would be complete without Paragon’s computer furniture line which includes Flat Panel Semi-Recessed Workstations, Cluster Workstations and Lab Workstations.  Support your economy and enhance your student’s computer skills by visiting www.worthingtondirect.com today for all of your computer furniture products.

School furniture shopping has never been easier now that Worthington Direct has released the latest version of their website that includes an instant freight calculator, live chat and a PDF version of their catalog.

Worthington Direct (www.worthingtondirect.com), a supplier of school, church and early childhood furniture and equipment for over 11 years has launched a new version of their website that will make online institutional furniture shopping a snap. School purchasers, church committee members and daycare owners will save time, and as always save money, when they purchase their facility furniture online with Worthington Direct.

One major upgrade is real-time freight calculator that offers instant shipping rates for almost every item on the specialty furniture website. Worthington Direct’s technology director, Brian Heiland, says, "Today’s online shoppers are becoming more savvy and are expecting interactive websites with advanced features, like instant freight calculations. School procurement offices can now simply click to view their shipping rates and use that information to complete their requisitions in seconds flat."

Freight can be calculated on each item detail page for individual shipping rates, or multiple items can be added to a shopping cart and then rated for a combined shipping amount. Unlike some of the other school furniture sites, Worthington Direct does not hide any shipping fees inside their product costs. Some companies base their shipping costs on a percentage of the purchase total, but that is not an accurate amount for an item that is small with a high price tag, such as technology products.  This results in having some of the lowest costs in the industry and avoids the customer from paying an inflated shipping amount. Gas prices are steadily rising so every effort is being made to keep shipping rates accurate and to a minimum.

Another great feature found the Worthington Direct website is the ability to participate in live chat sessions with trained school and church furniture experts.  Although anyone that calls during business hours will never encounter an automated recording, some people just like the option to type over dialing. Live chat is a great way to get fast responses for questions that arise while shopping for school furniture. A full version of their printed catalog can also be viewed in PDF form on the web now.  Customers can view and print single pages or a range of pages that can be used in last minute committee meetings or to attach to their purchase requisition.

Some other upgrades to the institutional furniture website are larger images and a faster checkout process. Worthington Direct continues to focus on website improvements and to maintain their quality customer service from its origins as a direct mail catalog company. With all of the new and advanced features found on their online store, customers are still always to welcome to pick up their traditional catalog and call for fast friendly service. 

About Worthington Direct: Worthington Direct has been in operation for 11 years with an employee average of 13 years experience in the school supply, church and equipment industry, and knows what is important – selection, service, price and timing.

Our goal is to make your purchasing job easier. With competitive pricing, knowledgeable sales associates, and "In Stock" products for quick, efficient shipping, Worthington Direct is committed to be your furniture resource. Schools and churches look to Worthington Direct for competitive pricing for school furniture, church furniture, preschool furniture, early childhood furniture, student desks, classroom chairs, folding chairs, folding tables, seminar tables, AV carts, projector carts, science tables, stools, padded stack chairs, library furniture, desks, wholesale furniture, computer furniture, classroom furniture, dry erase boards, markerboards, chalkboards, office furniture, room dividers, partitions, cubbie units, storage cabinets, file cabinets, bookcases, lockers, classroom carpets, booktrucks, easels, display cases, cafeteria tables, activity tables, classroom desks, computer tables, desk chairs, lecterns, literature racks, office desks and risers among its large stock. Worthington Direct Launches New Website Packed with Advanced Features