To what extent does the library include a “learning commons”
with comfortable space for collaboration, study and access to computer and
network resources? Should we?
What are we already doing related to the question?
If we wanted to consider starting this initiative or
expanding what we are already doing, what do we want to learn about it from our
future speakers? What questions do we want to ask during our upcoming speaker
series?
We have a fabulous learning commons both on the first and second floors. Many students take advantage of the wireless internet and the laptops, macbooks, and iPads available for checkout. The one thing that is lacking from these areas are whiteboard writing surfaces. I think that many students would take advantage and further collaborate on boards on walls, commons, and tables. The current furniture is very comfortable and conducive to individual study in a group space as well as tables large enough for group projects and sorting/collating data.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Tabitha. The more collaborative spaces we can provide the better. The education research shows that students prefer (and tend to learn best in) social, collaborative environments.
DeleteSo an article in the latest issue of ITAL kind of speaks to this issue, at least in terms of the desktop computers we offer. The researchers found that even though students have more mobile technology in their possession than ever before they still prefer using desktop computers in the library. http://ejournals.bc.edu/ojs/index.php/ital/article/view/2284/pdf
ReplyDelete