Eighteen significantly different classroom lighting systems were measured and analyzed in order to determine how contrasts from different light sources affect the ability to see visual tasks in the school room. Using criteria and techniques established from previous lighting research, the lighting systems are evaluated according to their…

The effects of classroom lighting methods on activity level, achievement, visual acuity/fatigue, and health of nonhandicapped and handicapped students are reviewed. Effects of different levels of illumination on behavior also are discussed. Methodological deficiencies and lack of replication have resulted in few tenable conclusions. (Author/CL)

Details the dramatic changes in school lighting. Describes how lighting will be more closely integrated into the "smart" school building of tomorrow and how lighting systems will evolve with schools as technology changes. Claims that direct/indirect lighting systems will serve computer users as well as reduce energy and maintenance costs. (RJM)

Poor lighting conditions in classrooms result not only from low intensity light but also from too high intensity light, an uneven distribution of light, and glare. Since visual tasks in a classroom constitute 62 percent of a student's time in school, suggestions are made of ways lighting conditions can be improved. The principles and…

The application of good lighting principles to school design is discussed. Part 1 of the study is concerned with the general principles of light and vision as they affect lighting in schools. Parts 2 and 3 deal with the application of these principles to daylighting and artificial lighting. Part 4 discusses the circumstances in which the…

Discusses how modern schools require specific lighting systems to accommodate computers and other technologies. Describes special needs for direct and indirect lighting when considering visual display terminals and projectors, and the kind of lighting system best suited for distance learning. Offers ideas on classrooms' physical layout. (RJM)

The article reviews the history of the development of lighting standards for the visually impaired. Available literature on how different levels of illumination affect visual acuity and visibility among persons with visual impairments is reviewed. Implications of this research for meeting the needs of visually impaired children in the classroom…

This review surveys documents and journal articles previously announced in RIE and CIJE that deal with climate control, integrated thermal and luminous systems, total energy systems, and current trends in school air conditioning. The literature cited indicates that selection of thermal systems must take into account longterm operating costs in…

Two experiments tested the general question of whether a more "natural" artificial light (Vita-Lite) would have any different effects on classroom behavior and the ability to study than would a traditional (cool-white) light source. Fifty-nine undergraduates took part in the first experiment that utilized an 8-week counterbalanced design.…

The quality of indoor lighting can influence task performance, social interaction and communication, health and safety, visual comfort, student behavior, and aesthetic judgments. These by-products of lighting are examined in this literature review in an effort to define the conditions that are associated with good lighting quality. Lighting…

Four architects' lighting designs are presented which cut down glare in offices and classrooms with computers. (MD)

Designing a distance learning classroom requires integration of educational goals and philosophy with technology and ergonomics. The technological challenge and key to designing effective distance learning and multimedia classrooms is creating an environment in which the participants--students, and teacher--may easily interact with instructional…

Provides considerations for educational facility lighting designs that support student learning while controlling costs. Lighting design decision factors include the types of classroom activities involved, the importance of properly using artificial and indirect lighting, the importance of color rendering, the positioning of windows and skylights,…

This paper provides an exploration of the impact of the increasing use of microcomputers in education upon curriculum development and the physical space needs in the learning environment. A secondary topic is the present and future directions of schools in the design of computer environments. (Author/MD)

Classroom environmental factors that promote or inhibit a climate facilitating learning are discussed, and general principles that may serve as a guide to developing effective classroom settings are presented. (MJB)