Learning Commons
The Evolution of the School Library
A learning commons is a flexible, interactive school hub for digital, print and multimedia learning resources. It's also the hub of student support, providing access to peer tutors, specialized teachers, librarians, tutors, and coaches. A learning commons has a buzz about it, like the town square, a popular coffee shop, or an Apple store. People interact and move about on their own, pulling chairs together for a chat, showing each other interesting information, asking questions. |
And there is plenty of customer support in the form of teachers, tutors, coaches and information specialists. These two components--engaged, interactive learning with expert support –are the secret to building brains and master learners.
But some of the biggest advantages of a learning commons lie behind the screens of computer monitors, laptops, and tablet screens.
Here, students find the digital nerve centre for the school—the learning commons website. This is where students may have their own safe online presence; have a digital space to store and share their work; gain access to learning modules; collaborate with other students; and check in with teachers.
This digital space also is the hub for school news, events, celebrations, and yearbooks. And this virtual learning space is never closed, so students, teachers, and parents have access 24/7.
Both the digital and physical learning commons spaces are designed to facilitate teacher collaboration as well. Teachers from across the system can collaborate on developing rich learning modules and share best practices.
In the same way no two town squares are the same, no two learning commons are the same. Each is collaboratively developed to meet the specific needs of its learning community.
Learning Commons - School Updates and Priorities
Learning Commons - Transition Flow Chart
Learning Commons - Practice Guide
RVS Example of a Learning Commons: Cooper's Crossing School / Langdon School