Hi Kane, The first comment is that the lab needs to have comfortable works stations. The chairs must be set at the right height and the work area must be large enough for the students to feel that they have a range of motion that fits their needs. The key points for the general lab is that it is well lighted and the line of vision to the instructor is clear. The students need to be able to glance up and see that instructor no matter where he/she is in the room. A critical point is the work station surroundings must be high enough to minimize distractions while retaining the ability to see. Work stations set at angles or in Vs seem to work best. I have found the most successful computer classes are those that most closely reflect business. A work carrel arrangement with traffic flow that doesn't disrupt is a must. I am assuming that you have already looked at wall color, bulleting boards, wall decorations, etc. These all contribute or distract from the learning environment. A suggestion for helping with the physical setting is to have someone that is not in the field to walk in and have them observe what the environment is saying to them. They may be able to pick up on something that is a real barrier in the environment that you are missing. I always am looking for someone else's perspective on what I am doing be it lab or instructional content. Gary