Transform the School Library and Computer Lab into a Learning Commons 1Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Gaver’s Research, 1963 Classroom Libraries ? Centralized Libraries? 2Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Lance, Todd, Canadian Correlational and Qualitative Research Central LibraryLibrary Staff Administrative Support Increased Student Achievement 3Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Evolutionary Themes Flexible Scheduling ‘Just in time’ interventions Scheduled Visits Inquiry Learning Literacies Library Lessons Collaborative Co-Teaching Learning Partnerships Isolated Teaching Multimedia and Digital Collections Open Source Print Collections High Tech Interactive Low Tech 4Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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 5Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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 6Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

However, it’s time to face reality! Bypassing Libraries of all Types ConvenienceTech DevicesGoogle 7Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Pew Trust/British Library Studies Google Generation Digital natives Social networkers Millennials Generation Next However: The myth of the Google Generation 8Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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

Rethinking Everything for Model Building Systematic Progress 180 Degree Thinking 10Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Current Business Models Microsoft Model Google Model 11Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Applied to School Libraries and Computer Labs Library and Labs Learning Commons 12Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

What do Schools Need ? Access to teachers and learners School Improvement Student achievement Engagement Learners Classroom Teachers Specialists Principals 13Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Client-Centered Vision with a Client-Centered Approach Physically Virtually 14Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

The Library Web Page vs. The Virtual Learning Commons A Giant Conversation Teachers Learners Teacher Librarians Parents Administrators 15Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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 16Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

The iGoogle Miracle The iGoogle Miracle Beating Google with Google The Teacher Assignment Blog Learner Sharing Teacher Librarian Coaching RSS Feed Connections 17Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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Personal Space 19Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Group Space 20Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Outer Space 21Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Collaborative Blog RSS Feed 22Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

The feed on the student page 23Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Technology Challenges Administrative computing vs. Instructional computing Teacher technologists (tech directors) involved in learning Teach responsibility and safety Access, access, access 24Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

The Physical Learning Commons Open Commons Experimental Learning Center 25Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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 26Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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 27Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Excellence in Teaching and Learning Learning LiteraciesKnowledge Building Learning with Technology Collaboration Program Elements 28Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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 29Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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 30Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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 31Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

Will it Work? Case Study: Valerie Diggs, Chelmsford High school Library, Chelmsford MA North Carolina Central University Chelmsford HS LC 32Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

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 33Loertscher and Koechlin 2009

More Information and Conversation Schoollearningcommons.pbworks.com 34Loertscher and Koechlin 2009