Exploring the evolution of libraries into innovative Library Learning Commons
April 22, 2016
GUELPH, Ontario – From OzoBots to LittleBits, Spark Tables and maker bins – Upper Grand District School Board staff got a close up look at how libraries in the board are evolving.
On Friday, UGDSB Teacher-Librarians hopped on buses and toured different innovative Library Learning Commons at four schools in the district.
Staff made stops at Montgomery Village PS and Spencer Avenue ES in Orangeville and Westwood and Westminster Woods Public Schools in Guelph.
Students from each school were on hand, showing staff all of the amazing ways to create, innovate and think outside of the box in their school’s Library Learning Commons.
When many people hear the word library they think borrowing – books, movies and music. Or as a student you may think about a quiet place to study, sitting alone at a carrel desk with your texts and notes.
But things have changed.
Over the past couple of years the UGDSB has been transitioning our school libraries into Library Learning Commons to support the changes in teaching and learning brought on by the increased use of technology, 24/7 access to digital resources, inquiry based learning, and collaborative learning environments.
Friday’s road trip, #LIB2LLC, offered hands-on demonstrations and a close up look at innovative features housed in these facilities, including Lego mechanics kits, OzoBots that are controlled by code students’ have drawn on sheets of paper, and magnetic blocks that can be used to build devices that move, spin, and more. Different tools and technologies teach students to code, create green screen videos and video conference with classes around the world.
With the evolution of libraries also comes a changing and multi-faceted role of the Teacher-Librarian as not just a teacher, but also a provocateur, a bridge for colleagues wanting to learn new technologies and a director of a community hub, opening the space up for student clubs and community groups.
To learn more about Library Learning Commons in the UGDSB, visit the board’s website.
-30-
For more information:
Heather Loney, Communications and Community Engagement Officer
Upper Grand District School Board
519-822-4420 ext.725
[email protected]
Categories: News