The Learning Commons: Beyond Place to Space

1. The Learning Commons:Beyond Place to Space Moira Ekdahl, Learning Services TL Update Sessions, May/June 2011

2. Lyn Hay and Dr Ross Todd write that: Creating sustainable, flexible and dynamic school libraries as an integral part of the information-to-knowledge journey of students will take considerable innovative, critical and reflective thinking by all stakeholders working together to create shared vision, shared commitment, and shared sustainable action plans....

3. Learning Commons as Intellectual Agency • Hay and Todd also suggest that the Learning Commons, in its marrying of technology, resources, content and process expertise and services, is • “an intellectual agency for developing deep knowledge and understanding, not simply fostering information collection.”

4. The Role & Function of the 21C School Library In the past: • Libraries supplied resources and provided support . • Computer labs provided scheduled access and tech support Today: • We need a learning commons, a learning laboratory that is the foundation of all learning in the school rather than a warehouse of information and technologies. • The role and function of the 21st-century school library has evolved with the growth of information, rapid technology change, and the challenges to improving student achievement.

5. The Learning Commons: • Has a focus on client-centered programs that impact teaching throughout the school • Involves TLs in partnerships with tech teachers and other learning specialists to advance best practice • Uses the rich resources, technologies, spaces, and expertise available in the school library • Builds in new pedagogies and energizes teaching and learning for today’s students and teachers. • Centres on student performance through improved teaching and learning throughout the school (Loertscher, Koechlin & Zwaan, 2008)

6. Calgary’s Research and Learning Commons • model of the work for schools creating Learning Commons. • “sandbox” for testing best practice and innovation for school libraries and Learning Commons • research and development centre (physical and virtual) and learning laboratory for Pro D, innovative teaching, and action research • centre for best practice; research “think tank” to define the concept of ‘Learning Commons’ • place and space for staff and students to engage in personalizing their own learning in their own contexts

7. School Learning Commons • a hub of learning in both a physical place and a virtual space • a collaborative learning environment where everyone is accessing and sharing resources and ideas • a flexible learning space that can be changed when required for the type of learning that is happening • spaces for all kinds of learning and learners – • those who need quiet can find it • teams or whole classes of learners can be accessing, creating and using resources • learners can share what they have learned, create, and in turn be a resource from which others learn

8. Learning Commons: A Physical Space • a room that’s totally flexible – furnishings easily moved to accommodate different functions and groupings • like the traditional library or computer lab, it functions as a central location to provide access to books and other resources • staffed by a Teacher-Librarian, support staff, and computer tech • flexible space has places for individuals, small groups, and classes to visit • a place where teachers demonstrate exemplary teaching and learning practices and others can observe

9. The Virtual Learning Commons • an ongoing conversation • a warehouse of digital materials—ebooks, databases, student-generated content • available 24/7, 365 days a year

10. Turnaround: It’s the Users’ Place • driven by needs and perspectives of the learners • physical and virtual space staffed by collaborative team of TLs and other school specialists • Team develops learning experiences and co-teaches • a showcase for best teaching and learning practices • Learners develop information literacy and research strategies • Learners have access to experts – other learners or Learning Commons Lead teachers. • Learners go there to find people to help, resources to use, and opportunities to learn

11. Traditional Paradigm: One Size Fits All • Materials (books, AV, etc.) on secured shelves • Heavy reliance on print material • Broad use of internet lacking in depth • Defined physical space with specific hours of access • Understaffed, underfunded • Teacher/teacher-librarian designed and led learning projects • Scheduled book exchanges and story times • Labs/pods of computer workstations • Limited student choice within research process; narrowly defined linear research process

12. New Learning Commons Model • Hub or gateway to learning in the school • Flexible access to physical and virtual space (virtual LC) • Flexible design: moveable shelves and furniture • Integrated collection of digital and print resources • Flexible easy access to technology – laptops; SMART boards; cameras; iPods/Pads; mobile devices; assistive technologies; fast (wireless) connections; best current tools and resources • Staff / team = teacher-librarian and support • Student-led inquiry- based learning • Focus on metacognition – understanding own learning styles and personalizing the learning

13. Aspects of Design: VSB Learning Commons Model • The roles: teacher-librarian and team • The program • Structures of support • Services • Access • Place and space • Technology and innovation • Teaching and learning

14. Just The Beginning…

15. More About Learning Commons:THE LINKS Calgary Board of Education, found on VSB Learning Commons webpage: http://tlc.typepad.com/learning_commons TL Special Blog: http://tlspecial.blogspot.com TL Inquiry Wiki: http://schoollibraryprogram.pbworks.com TL Inquiry – Video “School Libraries in Action” http://schoollibraryprogram.pbworks.com/w/page/15013262/Video-Project