Seamless integration of the technology into the space without distractions to the room's finishes and proper site lines for location of projection equipment and television cameras are also essential for success in the distance learning environment. During the planning phases of the project, it is important to achieve a balance between the room's function and future technology uses. Lighting in the classroom is critical to successful technology use. Lighting must be designed in relationship to projection surfaces, computer and television monitors, and student activities. When distance learning is part of the criteria, critical issues include proper color temperature of the light, adequate luminance level required for good television coverage, and balance of light in the space to prevent unwanted shadows.
Acoustics play an important role noise mitigation and proper design of teaching spaces.
The effect of noise in the space can be an issue when microphones are placed on the desktop for a distance learning classroom. Most microphones cannot discriminate between ambient room noise and a person's voice. For example, adjacent room noise needs to be inaudible in the televised class since microphones will pick up and amplify this noise. During the design process, it will be critical to determine the potential noise level and the noise criteria for the space in order to adequately absorb ambient noise and minimize reverberation within the room. The goal is to ensure that the power transformer is isolated from other noisy building systems like mechanical motors.