learning commons: learning commons: a whole school approach to learning for the future carol...

Learning Commons: Learning Commons: A Whole School Approach to Learning for the Future

Carol KoechlinThunder Bay

CDSBOctober 18,

2010

http://tbcdsblearningcommons.pbworks.com

Why do school libraries and programs Why do school libraries and programs need to change?need to change?

• Global realities and challenges

• Learners today need re-engagement

• Shifts in education• School Improvement

2Carol Koechlin 2010

What are the forces driving change in What are the forces driving change in education?education?

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Patrick Corrrigan Sept.7 Toronto Star


Hamilton Spectator

School Improvement What is Your Current Agenda ?What is Your Current Agenda ?


• Goals that have impact on the quality of teaching and learning

• Initiatives that could be affected by rich information and technology environments

• Share plans on our spreadsheet

What should replace these images?

• Think and Share at your tables.


“

“It simply isn’t the 20th Century any more is it? So why would we teach as

though it was?” Steven Heppell 2009 www.heppell.net


What is the Alternative to Change?What is the Alternative to Change?

• Everything is on the Internet and it’s FREE!

• Kids can just ‘Google’ it.• E-Books will replace

print• One-one computers• Outsourcing is cheaper

• Are school libraries “the great assumption”?

• How do school libraries move to the centre of teaching and learning?

• How do school libraries contribute to student success and school improvement?


Curriculum 21:Essential education for a changing world

• “Rather than being victimized by our program structures, we should be creating new types of learning environments for a new time and for various types of teaching and learning. Not to do so is a declaration not to learn.”, Page 79


A Vision for the 21A Vision for the 21stst Century Century


PLC Other Commons


Creative Spaces

Your Turn• Draw a sketch of

your present library facility.

• You have 5 minutes


The Third Teacher79 Ways You Can Use Design to Transform Teaching & Learning

http://www.thethirdteacher.com/

17. Form follows functionIt seems obvious but is often

forgotten: Teaching and Learning should shape the building, not vice versa.


Learning to Learn SpacesLearning to Learn Spaces


Features of the Physical CommonsFeatures of the Physical Commons

• Flexibility (furniture and schedule)• Wireless• Networking places and spaces• Productivity spaces and tools• Comfortable and stimulating• Books and resources kids want and need• Books and computers don’t get in the way


Features of the Physical CommonsFeatures of the Physical Commons

• Equitable access• Celebration of learning• Exemplary learning experiences – relevant

and real world• Individual, small groups, large group• A Cultural center – Listening Lunches• Centre for Professional Learning Teams


Time for 180° ThinkingInfoSmarts Koechlin & Zwaan 2010

Apply this criteria to your original sketch and reinvent your physical library spaces.

Share with a small group and keep on reinventing!


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Building Collaborative KnowledgeBuilding Collaborative Knowledge

• Library Web Page is a one way street.

• Virtual Learning Commons is a many way street


Virtual Learning Commons FeaturesVirtual Learning Commons Features

• Collaborative Web 2.0 learning projects• Resource center built by everyone• Virtual book clubs/discussions• Assignment conversations: teacher/teacher

librarian/learners and other specialists• Communication central -24/7/365• Virtual year book/museum


The Experimental Learning CenterThe Experimental Learning Center

• All professional development; the center of school improvement

• Experimentation with instruction; technology

• Center of risk taking• Action research


Staff Getting Better and Better Staff Getting Better and Better TogetherTogether

The We We SolutionWhen teachers within a

school collaborate, they begin to think not just about “my classroom’ but also about “our school.”

Six Secrets of ChangeMichael Fullan (2008)

• Evidence Based Practice - page 36

• Professional Learning Communities - page 37

• Personal Learning Networks – page 37


Break TimeBreak Time


Portable Computer Lab


What will it Cost?


……back to the Third Teacherback to the Third Teacher

Dream Big and be Brave• The rate of

technological advancement is increasing exponentially. When designing schools, don’t let today’s reality limit tomorrow’s possibilities.


learning commons: learning commons: a whole school approach to learning for the future carol...

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