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The Learning Commons at AUC: an exercise in collaboration

The Learning Commons at AUC: an exercise in collaboration. Shahira el Sawy Dean, Libraries and Learning Technologies Aziza Ellozy Director, Center for Learning and Teaching. The context: AUC’s new campus. The context: AUC’s new campus. What is a Learning Commons?.

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The Learning Commons at AUC: an exercise in collaboration

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  1. The Learning Commons at AUC:an exercise in collaboration Shahira el Sawy Dean, Libraries and Learning Technologies Aziza Ellozy Director, Center for Learning and Teaching

  2. The context: AUC’s new campus

  3. The context: AUC’s new campus

  4. What is a Learning Commons? “the intersection of content,technology, and services in a physical facility to support student learning” (J. Lippincott, 2006)

  5. The Learning Commons Fostering collaborative work and social interaction

  6. 3-Dimensional Rendition of our Learning Commons

  7. Why a Learning Commons? In today’s academic environment “….students need assistance from individuals with a broad range of expertise…” (J. Lippincott, 2006)

  8. Academic Computing Classroom Technologies & Media Services Writing Center The Main Library The Learning Commons at AUC a broad range of expertise Rare Books & Special Collections Library Center for Learning and Teaching

  9. Rare Books & Special Collections Library The Main Library Center for Learning and Teaching Classroom Technologies & Media Services Academic Computing Libraries and Learning Technologies (LLT) LLT Dean

  10. The Learning Commons Birth and evolution of an idea

  11. 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 LLT Dean Rare Books & Special Collections Library The Main Library Center for Learning and Teaching Classroom Technologies & Media Services Academic Computing

  12. 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 Team members

  13. Process : Task Force • 2005: Provost’s Taskforce on Learning Spaces is formed 16 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

  14. Process – last year • 2006: Plans to streamline and integrate services • More collaboration between LLT unitsneeded • 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 created Six subcommittees with appropriate LLT key players • Hardware/Software – Service & Delivery • Library as Space/Place • Technical Support • Training • Research Assistance • Management/Leadership/Budget

  15. Process • April/ May 2007: Collaboration happens !! • First phase report is being prepared

  16. Main issues/obstacles encountered ? • Collaboration between units difficult to achieve • “Silo” culture prevailed The Main Library Center for Learning and Teaching Rare Books & Special Collections Library Academic Computing Classroom Technologies & Media Services

  17. Main issues/obstacles encountered ? 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…!!!

  18. 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)

  19. 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 CTMS CLT CLT CTMS Main Library ACS ACS CLT Main Library CLT

  20. Present Successes New budget for Learning Commons has been approved Learning Commons Task Force has created an unprecedented spirit of collaboration among ALL units

  21. 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

  22. Optimistic about the future New Libraries and Learning Technologies Building

  23. Questions? Thank You !

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