The Learning Commons at AUC:an exercise in collaboration

Shahira el SawyDean, Libraries and Learning Technologies

Aziza EllozyDirector, Center for Learning and Teaching

The context: AUC’s new campus

The context: AUC’s new campus

What is a Learning Commons?

(J. Lippincott, 2006)

“the intersection of content, technology, and services

in a physical facility to support student learning”

Fostering collaborative work and social interaction

The Learning Commons

3-Dimensional Rendition of our Learning Commons

Why a Learning Commons?

(J. Lippincott, 2006)

In today’s academic environment

“….students need assistance from individualswith a broad range of expertise…”

Writing Center

Classroom Technologies

& Media Services

The Main Library

Academic Computing

Center for Learning and

Teaching

Rare Books & Special

CollectionsLibrary

The Learning Commonsat AUC

a broad range of expertise

Classroom Technologies

& Media Services

The Main Library

Academic Computing

Center for Learning and

Teaching

Rare Books & Special

CollectionsLibrary

Libraries and Learning Technologies (LLT)

LLT Dean

The Learning Commons

Birth and evolution of an idea

History

1998: Visit to Leavey Teaching Library, USC.– Student Navigation Assistants– Computer Consultants– Research Librarians

• 1999: Visit of Library Consultants– Recommend Integration of Library and IT

• 2000: New LLT Structure

Classroom Technologies

& Media Services

The Main Library

Academic Computing

Center for Learning and

Teaching

Rare Books & Special

CollectionsLibrary

LLT Dean

History• 2002: New Campus Plans & Design

– Dedicated Space for the “Commons”– Library Consultants

2004: NITLE-PKAL Workshop on New Learning Spaces, Vassar College (suggested by Susan Perry)

– Six member team: 3 LLT Faculty Members, 1 School Faculty Member, 1 New campus architect, 1 FF&E Consultant

– Upon return, team recommends establishment of a Task Force

Teammembers

Process : Task Force

• 2005: Provost’s Taskforce on Learning Spaces is formed16 member team, from three Schools and LLT, Dr Ellozy Chair

• Five subcommittees for:–Formal Learning Spaces (i.e. classrooms, lecture halls)–Offices & Department Spaces–Library & “Information” Commons–Informal Spaces (i.e. lounges, dining areas, gardens…)–Specialized Learning Spaces (i.e. Visualization Lab, Distance Learning)

• (2005-07) Multiple meetings with: Provost, New Campus Development Office, Registrar, others

• Taskforce work still going strong

Process – last year

• 2006: Plans to streamline and integrate services–More collaboration between LLT units needed

• February 2007:Susan Perry’s Consultancy Visit–Recommends collaboration for “Learning” Commons

–Suggests using Learning Commons as a stepping stone for LLT Integration

• March 2007: Learning Commons Taskforce createdSix subcommittees with appropriate LLT key players

• Hardware/Software – Service & Delivery• Library as Space/Place• Technical Support • Training• Research Assistance • Management/Leadership/Budget

Process

• April/ May 2007: Collaboration happens !!

• First phase report is being prepared

Classroom Technologies

& Media Services

The Main Library

Academic Computing

Center for Learning and

Teaching

Rare Books & Special

CollectionsLibrary

Main issues/obstacles encountered ?

1. Collaboration between units difficult to achieve

“Silo” culture prevailed

2. Integrated skills of an instructional/educational technologist are difficult to find in local market.

On the job training

3. Continuous professional development of staff important issue to address and needs constant attention

4. BUDGET…!!!

Main issues/obstacles encountered ?

Past successes

• Integrated Libraries and Learning Technologies Structure

• Allowed integration of functions and services

• Open lines of communication established (regular meetings of committees and advisory group)

Past Successes• Joint Projects

– Planning, retrofitting and assessing prototype classrooms for new campus

– Training and disseminating learning technologies across campus

– Jointly developing and designing hybrid course

– Collaborating on graduate students’ professional development workshops

CLTCTMS

CLTACS

CLT

ACS

CTMS Main

Library

Main LibraryCLT

Present Successes

• New budget for Learning Commons has been approved

• Learning Commons Task Force has created an unprecedented spirit of collaboration among ALL units

Next step?

• Closer look at functionalities of all units

• Continue collaborating to further streamline, upgrade and expand services

• Anticipate and prepare for special training needs of faculty and students for the first six months at the new campus

• Prepare for the daunting task of the move to the New campus September 2008

Optimistic about the future

New Libraries and Learning Technologies Building