Post on 17-Jan-2016
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
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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
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Hamilton Spectator
School Improvement What is Your Current Agenda ?What is Your Current Agenda ?
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• 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
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What should replace these images?
• Think and Share at your tables.
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“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
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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?
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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
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A Vision for the 21A Vision for the 21stst Century Century
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PLC Other Commons
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Creative Spaces
Your Turn• Draw a sketch of
your present library facility.
• You have 5 minutes
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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.
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Learning to Learn SpacesLearning to Learn Spaces
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Break TimeBreak Time
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Portable Computer Lab
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What will it Cost?
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……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.
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