Learning Commons Update 5/21/14

Learning Commons Transition Update

Learning Commons program goalsProvide space and resources for all students to learn, collaborate and work individually, 24/7, in person and virtually.

Create forward thinking and flexible learning spaces that will support learning 5-10 years into the future.

Transition plan2012-1013• Students, faculty and School Council collaborated on a

document that envisions the ways a new Learning Commons can support our core values

2013-2014• Faculty Survey (4/13)• Student Survey (4/13)• Student Focus Group (5/13)• Faculty Focus Group (7/14)

2014-2015• Transfer these goals to physical plan• Determine budget• Acquire budget approval

Work already completed to build a 24/7 learning space

• New library website

• Development of an extensive video library on MediaCast

• Cataloging online resources like digital archives and open access educational materials in our library catalog

• 70% of students would use a writing center

• 64.90% of students would use a genius bar for tech help

• 70.24% of students would use small and large conference rooms

• 77.71% of students would use a computer lab that supports group learning

• 73.45% of students would use small media production spaces

Significant student support for proposed improvements

Significant faculty support for proposed improvements

• 81.7% of faculty members would use small and large conference rooms

• 56% of faculty members believe small media production rooms would improve student learning

• 62% of faculty members believe a writing center would improve student learning

• 73% of faculty members believe a computer lab that supports group work would improve student learning

Faculty imagine how these improvements can change teaching and learning

“…it would offer me opportunities that do not exist now.”

“…it would be an exciting and dynamic space to do collaborative research.”

“…all of these services would be useful if our teaching changes to match these opportunities.”

“…I would be more likely to engage in group projects if there is available and functional space.”

For more information please contact Alida Hanson at hansona@weston.org