Creating the Learning Commons
Course
Promoting Innovation [6:30]
https://players.brightcove.net/2566261579001/HyuWsfFhb_default/index.html?videoId=4584650944001
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The next step is to promote creativity and innovation in your space.Transcript
We saw that our students needed tools to create an access their own content. We have a media zone for them to create in, so we wanted to purchase things like digital cameras, video cameras, digital voice recorders, and all the latest new devices. For instance, we were the first on campus to buy a Kindle Fire and a Chromebook when they first came out. Administrators were checking out the first Kindle Fire because they wanted to buy them as Christmas presents for their children. But we were happy that we could be the first place to provide these resources to everyone.
Our technology department checked out our new Chromebooks because they wanted to see if these inexpensive devices would work well on our Wi-Fi network. We wanted to see students experiment with the devices but it was fun having some side benefits to it too. So, we call this area our Technology Sandbox. And we included everything a student would need to create a digital project. So we have things like batteries, tripods, cords, and memory cards. And we organize it all in the locking cabinet on wheels that we keep behind the checkout desk. Students can check these devices out for a week at a time and use them for anything, a school project or just something fun at home. They don't need to sign a contract with us or get their parents' permission. And we rarely have a problem.
The latest addition to the Technology Sandbox is our GoPro Camera and the accessories that go with it. We gave out permanent GoPro mounts to a couple of students who are firefighter explorers. So now, a few students who didn't have access to and also weren't interested in these innovative technologies are learning mad GoPro editing skills. And they're psyched about it. They're sharing their videos with their teachers, they're sharing them with their friends, and they're helping out the fire department by making some great digital videos. A nearby elementary school ski club uses GoPros and shares videos of the different ski areas they visit all around New England. They made a digital map with all of their GoPro footage. There are so many ideas you can do with GoPro cameras. And they are nearly unbreakable and super easy to use.
But before we go much further, I had these two points I want to make. One time Susan Ballard told me that you will not receive any money if you don't ask for it. I think it's important that we plant the seed with our administrator or a member of the school board, let them know what you want, why you want it, and how it impacts student learning. And then give them time. I'm always surprised at how schools can come up with money for various specific projects. I had planted the seed that I wanted the flat screen TV in the library to share student work and to stream the news on. When I planted that seed with my principal he said, "Maybe next year." But then the local convenience store donated a thousand dollars to our school. Just surprisingly, and said they wanted us to use it for a stem project. And my principal thought of my flat screen TV idea, so the library got the money. The other thing to keep in mind is grants. Your local Wal-Mart and Target give thousands of dollars a year to programs just like yours. And the Walmart grants are so easy to fill out and write.
Also, DonorsChoose is a site specific for teachers to request resources for their classrooms. Last year both Oprah Winfrey and Stephen Colbert funded hundreds of DonorsChoose Projects. Colbert actually funded every request in South Carolina. So make sure you have a DonorsChoose page before some celebrity funds all the pages from your state.
3D printers were all the rage in our library this year. We have one in our school and as a school, we decided to house it in the library. The teachers thought this was best because the library is good at sharing. And also students from all over the school could access it or just watch it run. Our marketing department is designing mock-ups for possible items to sell, our chess club is designing a custom chess set for tournaments, and our independent study Autocad students are designing tools for our facilities department to actually use in our building.
Every time we print something, we put an image on Instagram and we tag it with things like, #3Dprinting and #MakerBot because that's the brand of our printer. So one day, one of our students had designed a backpack organizer and printed it out. And we put it on Instagram and the company MakerBot saw the post and contacted us. They wanted to interview her about her design and the steps she took to make her backpack organizer. She ended up writing an entire article for MakerBot's newsletter in a series on girls in STEM. Super authentic learning opportunity for her. Makerspaces do not have to be high tech. We can convert an old book truck with a curtain rods on it, with tape, ribbon, supplies, bins of things kids need to be makers. We could take one of those old study carrels and transform them into mini maker stations. It could be as simple as a bookmark making stand with paper, scissors, stamps, markers, and ribbon.
So imagine once again, what it's like to walk into your learning commons for the very first time. Can students create in your space? Are there resources, tools, and supplies available to make projects for both fun and learning? Providing a space for students to create will change the culture of understanding and transform your space from a traditional library to a successful learning commons. Take some time to think about how you can promote creativity and innovation in your space.
Activities
Despite the potential for learning commons and makerspaces to blossom from repurposed spaces and furniture and shoestring creativity, some materials do require expenditures from schools or grants for funding. Such items as 3D printers, technology upgrades, and even batteries cost money. Pam Harland reminds us, in the words of former AASL President Susan Ballard, "you will not receive any money if you don't ask for it."
Select an item for your learning commons wish list. Keeping in mind Harland's story regarding "planting the seed" about the flat screen TV funded with money from a local convenience store (Lesson 5, 2:52), consider how you can plant the seed for materials for your students.
Select the materials, with specifications and ordering information at the ready, and build a short and compelling rationale, aligned with your curriculum and the classroom curricula.
Plan an opportunity to share your request with an administrator.
Entry ID: 2122730
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MLA Citation
Harland, Pam. "Creating the Learning Commons. Promoting Innovation [6:30]." School Library Connection, ABC-CLIO, November 2015, schoollibraryconnection.com/content/course/1987402?learningModuleId=1987406&topicCenterId=2247903.
Chicago Citation
Harland, Pam. "Creating the Learning Commons. Promoting Innovation [6:30]." School Library Connection video. November 2015. https://schoollibraryconnection.com/content/course/1987402?learningModuleId=1987406&topicCenterId=2247903.
APA Citation
Harland, P. (2015, November). Creating the learning commons. Promoting innovation [6:30] [Video]. School Library Connection. https://schoollibraryconnection.com/content/course/1987402?learningModuleId=1987406&topicCenterId=2247903
https://schoollibraryconnection.com/content/course/1987402?learningModuleId=1987406&topicCenterId=2247903
Entry ID: 1987402