transform the school library and computer lab into a learning commons 1loertscher and koechlin 2009

Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Transform the School Library and Computer Lab into a Learning Commons

http://Schoollearningcommons.pbworks.com

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Gaver’s Research, 1963

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Lance, Todd, Canadian Correlational and Qualitative Research

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Evolutionary Themes

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Has the School Library Computer Lab Become Central to Teaching

and Learning?• Not in education literature and research• Not in major foundational educational

documents• Mixed in governmental funding• Not in times of financial exigency

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The Bright Side

• Leaders who showcase excellence• Winners of awards• Teacher of the year awards• Administrator of the year awards• Super advocates – Washington Moms• 500 students petition for increased time

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However, it’s time to face reality!

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Pew Trust/British Library Studies

• Google Generation• Digital natives• Social networkers• Millennials• Generation Next

However:

• The myth of the Google Generation8


Foundational Documents

• AASL – standards and guidelines• Route 21• National Council of Teachers of English NCTE • ISTE NETS• International Reading Association• NEW Horizon Report 2009

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Rethinking Everything for Model Building

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Current Business Models

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Applied to School Libraries and Computer Labs

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What do Schools Need ?

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Vision with a

Client-Centered Approach

• Physically• Virtually

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The Library Web Pagevs.

The Virtual Learning Commons

A Giant Conversation

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Virtual 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

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The iGoogle MiracleBeating Google with Google

RSS Feed Connections

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Loertscher and Koechlin 2009 18


Personal Space

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Group Space

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Outer Space

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Loertscher and Koechlin 2009 22

Collaborative Blog RSS Feed


The feed on the student page

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Technology Challenges

• Administrative computing vs. Instructional computing

• Teacher technologists (tech directors) involved in learning

• Teach responsibility and safety• Access, access, access

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The Physical Learning Commons

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Features of the Open 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

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Features of the Open Commons

• Celebration of learning• A parade of exemplary learning experiences• Individual, small groups, large group• On its own calendar• All specialists “office” there• A Cultural center – Listening Lunches

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Excellence in Teaching and Learning

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Exemplary Learning Experiences

• No bird units• Design for High Think by applying

Loertscher/Koechlin/Zwaan 18 Think Models– Push collaborative use of information and

technology– Push higher-level thinking– End with big think meta-cognitive activities

• Learners will remember and understand

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Experimental Learning Center

• Why? – Neutral territory• Safe – experimenting, risk taking• Nurturing new teachers• All school improvement initiatives• All professional development• Action research center• Showcase of school improvement

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Building Learning Partnerships

• Sustainability

• Teacher Technologists team with Teacher Librarians to boost achievement

• Collaborative experiences between any of the school specialists and classroom teachers

• Learners collaborate with other learners around the globe

• Broader community voice

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Will it Work?

• Case Study: Valerie Diggs, Chelmsford High school Library, Chelmsford MA

North Carolina Central University

Chelmsford HS LC

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Learning Commons Characteristics: Both Virtual and Physical

• Sense of ownership by administrators, teachers, students, parents

• A place to create, collaborate, innovate, exhibit, think, and learn – not stuff and equipment.

• Flexibility• Active vs. passive – learning is exciting• All specialists as staff push together into the center of

teaching learning• Change is normal• Excellence is the result

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More Information and Conversation

• Schoollearningcommons.pbworks.com

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transform the school library and computer lab into a learning commons 1loertscher and koechlin 2009

Documents

virtual learning commons

learning commons http

school libraries

school library computer

computer labs library

library web page

classroom libraries

virtual year bookmuseum