According to the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) at the University of Michigan, there are seven distinct and possible seating arrangements to consider when arranging a room. When deciding which seating arrangement is best for your purposes, it is important to consider two points. First, the instructor should be easily visible to the students at all times. Eliminate any need for students to turn away from their desktops in order to visually follow a teacher or professor. While that seems like a no-brainer, teachers often forget this during the course of teaching and even when class participation is strong, students often find themselves having to twist around in their seats to pay attention to what another student is saying, or to follow a teacher that is moving about the room. Second, keep in mind what the purpose of the class is. A computer class should obviously be situated differently than an art class, etc.
As for the seven seating arrangements, the first is traditional rows. This arrangement is still used in many situations as it gives instructors the opportunity to walk around easily and check on student progress, but in most cases, it visually impairs the students.
Second, clusters. These arrangement works well for small groups, but like tables in a banquet hall, there will always be the need for one or more students to have to turn completely in his/her chair to follow an instructor or listen to a speaker.
Third, specifically for computer desks, tables around the edge of the room facing the walls is one type of arrangement. Again, students must turn to hear a speaker, but if most of the class work is done independently, this can create a nice space-saving environment with few distractions.
Fourth, and very popular, the horseshoe arrangement. This arrangement allows all students to see the teacher and the other students easily without turning more than a quarter turn. The instructor can actually stand closer to all students