Learning commons
similar to libraries and classrooms that share space for information technology, remote or online education, tutoring,[2][3] collaboration, content creation, meetings, socialization, playing games and studying.
[1] This white paper defined an Information Commons as a library-centric "...cluster of network access points and associated IT tools situated in the context of physical, digital, human, and social resources organized in support of learning.”[18] A Learning Commons, by contrast, was no longer library-centric, as “…when the resources of the information commons are organized in collaboration with learning initiatives sponsored by other academic units, or aligned with learning outcomes defined through a cooperative process.”[19] These definitions were later adopted and elaborated upon by Scott Bennett, Yale University Librarian Emeritus.
[20] Since the late 1990s, hundreds of Learning Commons have developed and morphed in response to Web 2.0 technologies and the continuous evolution of libraries and librarians’ functions.
The first reason is the reduction of space used to house print materials which are of little use to students and faculty compared to digital resources rapidly accessible through internet based services.
[27] There is growing consensus among educators that students need to learn transferable skills in order to work efficiently and successfully in our future world.
[28] To achieve this, students will need to become critical consumers of information, effective problem solvers, capable decision makers and innovative communicators as well.
[28] A Learning Commons becomes the physical and virtual catalyst where inquiry, imagination, discovery, and creativity come alive and become central to growth — personal, academic, social and cultural.
[39][37] The goal of a Learning Commons Librarians’ work should be to encourage all students to engage in substantive ways with multiple services in the organization.
[45] The learning commons typically offer comfortable furniture for both individual and group study, modular furnishings that allow users to customize the environment to suit their needs, access to wireless networks and electrical outlets,[46] multimedia labs and support, and often a cafe accompanied by relaxed food and drink restrictions.
Safe, inclusive and welcoming environments throughout a school are imperative to meet the diverse abilities and learning styles of individuals, teams and groups.
[51] The school library, a key component of a Learning Commons, has an integral and transformative role to play in implementing this fresh and innovative vision for education.
[28] Developed by Dr. Alexander Jones, the LCTM sets clear goals with specific criteria of importance to measure the correlation with teaching outcomes and use of space and technology.
[56] The LCTM model includes Knowledge Building, Collaborative Engagement, Integrative Learning, Fostering Literacy, Creativity and Expression, the Development of Positive Social Maturation, Efficient use of Space and Enhanced Teaching.
OER initiatives, such as those championed by UNESCO, aim to bridge the gap in educational access by removing financial and geographical barriers to learning.
[60] For example, in rural and underserved areas, OER can provide students and teachers with access to high-quality educational content without the need for costly textbooks or proprietary software.
