Because my school is on the verge of a major transformation (new building) I thought it would be useful for me to think more specifically about what the new library/learning commons might look like. Since we are starting with a blank canvas, we have the opportunity to create a facility well-suited to the needs of our students and staff, which incorporates technology with flexible learning spaces and access to suitable resources, in both digital and print form. By implication, this means the role of the teacher-librarian must also evolve.
First, I am going to look at the physical layout of the new space and how we can best integrate technology into the space. Currently our library acts as a study space, a social space, and a computer lab. I want to look at ways to accommodate as many potential uses as possible, thinking in terms of layout, resource housing, furniture, and technology availability.
Secondly, I want to look at the pedagogy of collaborative teaching and learning. How can I support my colleagues in the transition to a learning commons-style of education from a traditional classroom model of education? What sort of resources and expertise can they expect from me during this shift? What sort of digital tools can we use to encourage inquiry and support the student learning experience? What roles will TLs and classroom teachers have within the learning commons? In this section, I will look at the use of iPads in the library and classroom, and some Web 2.0 tools that teachers can begin introducing as they move away from “old school” techniques. I’d like to be able to offer resources/links/information for my staff on this topic, perhaps through a wiki or delicious.com page.
We recently had a visit from an outside teacher who oversees 150 school libraries in her district. It was great to see the varying stages her schools are at in their transition to LCs. It was a relief as well to be assured that every step closer we take, no matter how small, make a difference.
This is a great example from Medicine Hat AB of a high school learning commons. This is the type of space I envision for our school’s new facility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo0gaTzU0qw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVipfjDk6A8
Clare,
Great topic and very appropriate since your school is having renovations done to it. Sounds like you are well on your way to knowing what you’d like to focus on for your final project. I thought that was a point well said about the transition to learning commons and every step closer we make can have a huge impact. Transitioning to a learning commons can seem overwhelming so to think of it little by little is much more effective.
Clare, it looks like you have gathered some good information on the learning commons model. It is so exciting that you can have a say in what your new space will look like in the new building and that you can back up your requests with your research. I also like how you are approaching the shift to a learning commons model from a teaching perspective too, it is not just the space, but the way the space is used by both teachers and students. Really, the way you have put it, the whole school is the learning commons!
Good, focused post that outlines the key aspects of your vision. You’ve identified the specific and important outcomes and participants of your school that need to be addressed with your new learning commons space. I look forward to seeing your final product and hope that it is a useful digital artifact for your transition into the new space!
My district has a golden opportunity to advance Yukon education into the 21st century…now it will be question of how they use it 🙂