2. Learning Commons
What is it?
The model:
• an academic “village green” or commons
• flexible, multi-purpose
• physical and virtual options
• collaboration space -learning, research,
projects
• student-centred, not top-down
‘7 Things You Should Know About the Modern Learning Commons’, Educause, 2011. Accessed 20 February 2012
3. Learning Commons
What is it?
information
faculty student equipment
A Learning
Commons
facilitates other
connections. students
‘7 Things You Should Know About the Modern Learning Commons’, Educause, 2011. Accessed 20 February 2012
4. Learning Commons
What is it?
• flexible model allows for
• adaptation to specific student
needs
• adaptation to institutional mission
• gradual implementation
• implementation as budget allows
6. Learning Commons
What is it?
• usually in or near the Library
• library = ??
• information literacy
• library as place
• information hub and meeting
space
• ‘steeped in academia’
7. Learning Commons
Components
• usually in or near the Library
• flexible meeting spaces
• easy access to information
• assistance – f2f & virtual
• 24/7
• information literacy
• research
8. Learning Commons
What is it?
• integrates student services but
doesn’t replace them
• “one-stop shop” – students
don’t have to guess where to
get help
• drop-in , varying permanence
9. Learning Commons
Components
• integrates student services but
doesn’t replace them
• help desks for wide variety of
student support services
• schedule changes with rhythm
of academic year
10. Learning Commons
What is it?
• more than a lab/social space
• enhances and promotes
technology
• refuelling station – mental and
physical
• studies: students mix social and
learning
12. Learning Commons
What is it?
• peer opportunities
• students more comfy with other
students, less threatened
• first point of contact
• training required
• leadership, resume building
14. Learning Commons
What is it?
The Learning
Commons in BC
(2011) This video is a collaboration of several Vancouver schools, the Irving K.
Barber Learning Centre at UBC, Reel Youth and the Libraries and Literacy
Branch.
15. Learning Commons
What is it?
• collaborative
• adaptive to student needs and schedules
• student centred – peer support programs
and student services
• move from content to process, enquiry
based learning
• connect to world and own passions
• solve problems together
• technology rich
21. Learning Commons
Model 2 - SFU
SFU Learning Commons
• next to computer lab in Bennett Library
• no physical space – consultations only
• writing
• study skills
• peer program – first year students limited
to peer assistance
25. Learning Commons
Planning
• What is going to happen in this space? List as many
specific activities as you envision taking place in the
new Learning Commons.
• Describe the spaces and/or equipment that would
facilitate the activities you listed above.
• Who are the stakeholders in the new Learning
Commons? How should it be planned and
maintained?
• Where should this Learning Commons be on
campus?
• Which specific elements are most crucial to CapU
students right now?
26. Learning Commons
Planning
What are the potential problems or issues
that implementing this model could cause?
• moving away from traditional, faculty-
centred delivery models
• collaboration across a wide range of
stakeholders can be more work
• ??
Bennett, Scott, ‘The Information or the Learning Commons: Which Will We Have?’, Journal of Academic
Librarianship, 34 (2008), 183–185
27. Learning Commons
Planning
Follow-up questions:
• What elements of the model most or
best fit the specific needs of Capilano
University students right now?
• What can we afford to do…now?
Bennett, Scott, ‘The Information or the Learning Commons: Which Will We Have?’, Journal of Academic
Librarianship, 34 (2008), 183–185
29. Thank you!
Literature and links from this session will be
available on the TLC Forum resources page.
Tania Alekson
Reference & Instruction Librarian
Liaison for Business, Tourism Studies
Regional Librarian
x2141
talekson@capilanou.ca
http://www.twitter.com/info_detective
Notas del editor
movement in post-secondary learning, started as library + tech, also called an information commonsreconfigure student spaces and servicesreassign obsolete spaces (book shelves) for new purposescreate everything to be flexible – silent or noise, 1-3-7 students, workshops or one-on-one sessionsmaking space for the learning the students are doing NOWinvolving the students on multiple levels, from flexible mobile furniture to student advisory boards/members to student planning of programs to peer support programs; allowing students to shape their learning spaces, as well as grow in non-traditional, non-academic areas
describe the current environment from a students’ perspective – confusing, fragmented, few spaces that they own or can use easily to collaborate
conceptual model with many component elements – pick and choose what your budget/space/services allow always keeping in mind larger end goals (student centred, collaborative, etc.)
UBCCamosunYork
word association... Library = ??Natural progression of some of Library functions that are not first when we think “library”.modern library is moving to not just providing access but facilitating information self-sufficiency – information rich world = life-long searchers. Information literacyLibrary as placeRecent grad experienceLibrary is information hub & meeting placeThe end product is not as important as the skills to get there. Library a place where students feel immersed in academic culture. They can concentrate when they see others around them doing the same, they find spaces to meet and work together, they get help to support their academic endeavour.
easy access to information (physical or online), flexible study/meeting spaces, academic atmosphere, access to information literacy/research assistance on demand (ref desk and online)
LC does not necessarily mean moving all support to a centralize location but providing some services in a hub space. Acts as marketing for the service main location.
drop-in assistance or permanent hours; reference, writing, math, study skills, emotional well-being; flexible to rhythm of academic schedule
Technology is enhanced and promoted.Social space: studies show students mix social with study, don’t want to go far for fuel
high-end hard/software, help for hard/software, group technology spacescafe
Peer programs allow our students to get the experience they need to become leaders, resume building – service component now at UBC, other institutions. Studies show students feel more comfortable with peers – doesn’t replace “expert” assistance but can act as conduit.
peer tutoring, peer referrals, peer assistance (tech), peer planning of space; leadership opps for those in the peer programs. Can be paid position, honorarium or strictly volunteers QUESTIONS??
Watch the video – jot down key words or concepts you hear that could enhance our work at Cap. Share with group, session.
Facilitates active, independent and collaborative learning. Based on collaboration between different learning support areas in the university, facilitates collaboration between students.Responsive to the changing needs of learners for resources and support – “hills and valleys” of needFocuses on student needs, preferences and work patterns. Allows students to develop as leaders through peer support programsPart of university-wide development of learner autonomy.Provides a hub for physical and virtual interaction for staff and students.allows for interaction, experimentation with technology
steeped in academia – inside “heritage core” of old Main
not that flexible, but students part of planning & developmentflexible space provided outside in IK Barberrooms for events, bring university community inside
flexible space provided just outside in IK Barberalso has conference space and 2 branches of UBC librariescombination of spaces is ideal LC situation:adjacent to informationtechnologypeer referralsindividual and group study space
peer system – paid, trained in providing quality referrals, hired/trained for technologyno permanent services – scheduled hours based on hills and valleys of term
LEAP, collaborative efforts of various support/tech departments
much more modest implementationfaculty/expert drivenconceptual rather than physical with small virtual componentcollaboration with faculty for referralsfocus is on student services, not collaborationpeer program – honorarium for peer tutors. 1st years get peers only, higher levels get expert/faculty assistance
social/academic – line is very blurred for students; want space to do both, flip back and forth