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
Top Related