Modern Learning Commons
The learning commons, sometimes called an “information commons,” has evolved from a combination library and computer lab into a full-service learning, research, and project space. As a place where students can meet, talk, study, and use “borrowed” equipment, the learning commons brings together the functions of libraries, labs, lounges, and seminar areas in a single community gathering place. The cost of a learning commons can be an obstacle, but for institutions that invest in a sophisticated learning commons, the new and expanded partnerships across disciplines facilitate and promote greater levels of collaboration. The commons invites students to devise their own approaches to their work and to transfer what they learn in one course to the work they do for another.
Source: Educause 7 Things
Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
bcourey 6:08 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In a climate of budget cuts, we can no longer afford large, infrequently used school libraries filled with outdated, expensive and unused books when the students could have access to an unending supply of current knowledge through technology. Time for an update!
David William Price 7:28 am on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The reason I chose Concordia (rather than Athabasca or UBC) for my program was I wanted the in-person social component, the bump-into-people in the hallway component for talking and networking. I don’t think the concept requires a lot of expensive technology or books sitting on shelves. To me the value is creating an area where people come to do something and bump into each other and chat and discover from each other shortcuts, resources, new ways of thinking, etc.
Allie 3:58 pm on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think that creating a space where students *want* to be in a library setting is so important to foster learning; I’m remembering my own experiences as a female undergrad at UBC where I felt very uncomfortable going into certain parts of the Main library stacks alone (they were very dark, with crowded stacks, and felt labyrinthine). That being said, I find the last two sentences make claims for the commons that, like David, I don’t think are specific to learning commons. I would be curious to learn whether learning commons’ (what would the plural be…) have had measurable benefits on student learning.
Jay 9:14 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I also enjoy the social component of learning and after taking one semester entirely online learned that I require this in my own learning. As technology pushes towards a more individualistic approach to learning, common areas help foster a learning environment that is more parrallel to day to day life where we are in constant social interactions may it be in the workplace or other and need to be able to collaborate with others and share ideas/knowledge in a face-face environment. They then allow for people to engage learning technologies together, those with stronger skills guiding and aiding those that may not be as versed in or aware the opportunities through technology that may be used in learning commons.