What every training room should have:

Lighting

• Flexible lighting such that different levels can be set and, where necessary, the trainer's end of the room lit independently of the main body.

• Effective and flexible window blinds that can be easily adjusted. • Make sure lighting is adjustable so that LCD projector is easily viewed by all. • Also windows should have shades so that it’s not too bright to see a projected

image. • Use soft light colors. Research best colors to use in a learning environment. • Know where light switches are located so that you can brighten or darken the

room as needed.

Walls

• Wall coverings that can withstand flipchart pages being stuck on them o Another option is to put a cork board strip, magnets, hanging rail around

the room where you can hang flip-charts with push pins. • OR Elmo device to capture and then project notes into a different part of the

room as a poster for the remaining duration of the training. This way anything written on one of the smart areas can be projected onto another area for participants to reference throughout the training. This is also then in a convenient format for circulating as post event reminders.

• OR Optionally white boards can be replaced by LCD screens – as long as they can be protected so that the smart board technology can be applied. In time these could just be large touch screen monitors with limited on-board processing.

• OR The use of magnetic walls or boards can allow environmentally friendly use of planning and note taking strategies, as well as total flexibility, and if using magnetic paint rather than metal sheets a level of flexibility can be added to an existing room for little capital outlay.

Technology

• Wireless netbooks connected together with collaboration software – and connected for electronic polls etc. with the main PC in the room

• Wi-Fi that works under load • OPTIONALLY The data projector screen is a SMART board function on a

standard magnetic white board • Technology is always updated and ready to go, lots of dongles for all types of

laptops, tablets, etc. • Trainer internet access that is separate from the groups’ • Trainer PC power socket close by that doesn't involve stretching a power cable

across the walk space. • A really bright and clear projector or screen. • OPTIONAL Inclusive data projector, flip-charts (smart-board would be good!) &

audio system • Clickers that work • Long cables on all the tech kit that do not cause anyone a trip hazard! • A data projector central at the front, complete with suitable sound system, DVD

etc. (no wires!) – or ceiling mounted • Nearby access to a photocopier for quick copies of notes, usb friendly or wireless • OR A printer to print any of the smartboard captures out for handouts if required

or emailed to participants

Furniture

• Flexible furnishings. Furniture that can easily be folded away or stored to create flexible space is very helpful both for the trainer and for the venue owner.

• Tables of variable size that can roll and be put together to make larger tables • Comfortable stacking chairs that can roll

Access

• Good easy access to avoid carrying heavy crates etc. further than necessary • Rooms that can be made secure when unoccupied. • Two doors; one behind/beside the trainer at the front of the room, and one

behind the delegate seating area. • Usually the front of the training room should be opposite the entrance to avoid

distractions when folks come and go. Is that possible in the room you're considering?

Space

• Often rooms are booked out on the basis of how many people can fit in rather than with consideration for the learning event and activities that will take place.

• SPACE – the room should seat 20% more delegates than actually attending comfortable

• If the room is to have attendee PCs, then leave plenty of space to allow the trainer to walk around behind the desks.

• training room that has adequate space for the attendees to break into groups and work together without having to go to another floor in the building/across the parking lot

• A flexible layout which is easy to reconfigure for different styles of training event. It should include the capacity to give each delegate writing space.

• Break Out Areas. • Room for the trainer to move at the front of the training room unencumbered by

cords

Environment

• Simple and effective environmental controls (heating or aircon) that a trainer can figure out how to use in a few seconds.

• Good Sound Proofing. • Use industrial carpet to muffle sounds.

Other

• A clock on the wall....where the trainer can see it so not behind the trainer/above the screen/directly in line of sight of all the attendees

• Adequate supply of marker pens....and, if there is a white board AND flipcharts, pens that are clearly marked as either permanent or water soluble.

• Several high quality flip-charts. There is a difference between easels and flip-chart stands. Buy the stable flip-charts.

• Coatroom/coat area • White boards on walls wherever possible • A couple of LARGE bins for recycling and trash • Knowledgeable Staff. Staff with an understanding of learning and development

and trainer's needs would be fabulous. Hopefully this would avoid the too often

'We've moved you to a different room' (usually smaller, less suitable and because a better offer came in on the one we had originally.')

• Clear Instructions. Guides for trainers on essentials like fire procedures, things we need to know today, equipment in the room, heating and air con, lunch arrangements etc.

• Storage closets should allow flip-charts and equipment storage. • Disabled/ mobility impaired friendly • Provision of drinking water, etc. in the room • Training tools like quick response boards, feedback balls, games, etc.