building the commons
Post on 03-Aug-2015
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Gerald Galway & Beth Maddiganggalway@mun.ca beth.maddigan@mun.ca
June 11, 2015
Building the Commons A Continuous Development Plan
• To fundamentally re-think how teacher education students learn and learn to teach
• To create a technology-rich student-faculty “collision space” to support that change
The challenge
Our approach to integrating technology into teaching and learning was getting a little tired
State of the Art?
Schools were becoming equipped with technologies and learning spaces that far surpassed our own.
In education, keeping up with the Jones’ is important
“I thought there’d be much more emphasis on technology in the program”
Exit interviews were positive, except…
But, most students left the building between classes…or were sitting on benches near the elevators
Education is a collaborative enterprise
The Learning Commons Idea: Setting a standard for collaborative, technology-rich teacher education
If you build it, they will come…
Consulted widely with faculty, students and staff: floor plan, technology requirements, organization, staffing and hours of operation
Out with the old, in with the new
Students, faculty, staff :Faculty of Education, DELTS, Facilities Management
Collective Effort
Infrastructure grant + old space + learning community input + creativity = TLC
Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose
Seizing opportunities for economies focused the budget on latest technology, style and substance
Cutting corners… and still going all out!
….a cross between Starbucks and an Apple store
The Teaching and Learning Commons
TLC Coordinator & Student Assistant
Success Strategy - Staff
Students act as liaisons between classmates and instructors
1 Coordinator & 7 Students
Staff demonstrate tools to individuals and groups
Just-in-time assistance and formal presentations
We keep abreast of current tools & technologies
Has been in constant use since opening in Spring 2014
Success Strategy - Flexible Space
Providing a home for numerous functions
Formal events, ceremonies, and more
Sometimes large crowds fill the whole room
Sometimes small groups fill the whole room
And sometimes everybody just needs to chill
Success Strategy – Needs & Wants
Sometimes stress relief is a pressing need
Scanner, colour printer & video equipment were needed too
Access to emerging classroom technology is needed
And somewhere safe to voice an opinion
We asked students to name the TLC’s best feature
Feedback & Assessment
Comments mentioned modernity & microwaves…
Technologies – especially the Smartboards…
Comfy seating, great layout, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Other comments focused on space for collaboration…
Somewhere to get to know classmates…
Places to relax and have a cup of coffee…
And convenient areas for group project work.
Beverages and food were high on the list of likes…
Skills practice space had multiple mentions…
Plus positive feedback for all the staff…
Every comment highlighted a useful aspect of the space.
The TLC is a temporary home for hardworking duos…
Singles working side-by-side…
And groups – large and small…
It is our little window on the world of Education.
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