I recently witnessed a teacher spend about an hour and a half trying to make seating charts for his high school humanities classes based on student preferences for his classes of 30 students each. At the teacher's request, each student listed one or more students they worked especially well with, and each had the option to list anyone they preferred not to be assigned to partner with on projects for various reasons.
Attached is a photo I took of his notes, and I am attaching it here with his permission. Mostly for your wonderment, but also so that you can understand the complicated work he is trying to do. He did get seating charts for three classes configured, but it took him two days!
So, Apps User Group, is there an app for this - or a way to do this with GAFE tools that would simplify his experience? I looked at happyclassapp, but for any really valuable functionality, a subscription is required. Most other seating chart apps that I've seen are constructed to allow teachers merely to take attendance. assign images to student seats, and re-configure desk arrangements. But this teacher really needs a seating chart app (or some technology solution) that will help him create seating charts based on student needs and preferences.
Any thoughts? They'd be greatly appreciated!