Library Possibilities

Introduction

This post explores some of my learnings on how technology fits into the LLC model, along with a smattering of related learnings that have come up during my TL as Tech Leader course. It contains ideas that I would like to implement in my LLC when I become a teacher librarian . I’ve structured this post according to the Standards of Practice from the Leading Learning document (or, as I call it, the Learning Commons Bible). Bear in mind that there is a lot of overlap and a lot of my choices of category could be debated.

Collaborative Engagement

• Stakeholder consultation to determine what specific skills and technologies are high interest
• Alignment of the LLC vision and programming with the Integrated Arts and Technology program
• Promotion of “Habitudes” that support creative and design thinking (e.g., from Taking Making into the Classroom)
• Create opportunities for student-led special design projects
• “Stealth” programming during breaks and lunch to promote design thinking in a low-risk arena
  • E.g., set aside a table with supplies and a guiding challenge – Smithsonian’s Ready, Set, Design is a good model here
• Formalized clubs and one-offs for learners in high interest areas

Advancing the Learning Community

• Action research on impact of programming on equity, student voice and choice, etc.

Instructional Design

• Promoting and infusing design thinking and inquiry into every classroom through collaboratiove planning and curation of appropriate tools
  • A lot of capacity for these ideas to promote authentic learning
• Becoming the “Master Teacher” of design thinking through personal practice and professional development
• Collaborating with specialist teachers and experts from the community to bring specialist experiences into the centralized LLC space.
• Providing low-stress opportunities for teachers to try out new tools and approaches (e.g., lunchtime Pro-D)
• More formalized professional development opportunities
• Promotion of technology as a transformative tool that connects with pedagogy and content (SAMR and TPACK)

Fostering Literacies

• Cribbing Liljedahl’s Thinking Classroom ideas to help students independently construct knowledge and troubleshoot with tech
  • E.g., hone in on “keep thinking questions” and refuse to answer “stop thinking questions”
  • E.g., promote the ideal that the smartest person in the room is the room
• Help teachers embed digital literacy into their lessons
  • E.g., how does the software we are using affect our privacy?
  • E.g., copyright, licencing, and fair use when students find things on the internet that they want to remix

Learning Environments

• Creating a learning environment that promotes creative thinking through play
  • Makerspaces and hand-prototyping supplies
    • Even simple craft supplies: cardboard, scissors, glue can promote this on the cheap
  • Reconfigurable furniture for flexibility
  • Promotion of norms that support trust and risk-taking
  • Access to materials outside of classroom visits
• Getting that design thinking ethos into the classrooms
  • Creating kits and carts around various maker themes to lend to classrooms
    • Gets around the limitations of the physical library space
  • Structures in place for easy sign-out
  • Digital curation of learning materials around specific technologies for independent use
• Well thought out physical and virtual space for student exhibition

Question for feedback

Sometimes when I think about some of these ideas, they feel very abstract and I struggle to envision what they look like in practice. In what ways do you promote, for example, student-led projects in the LLC in practice?

Sources:

Averill, S. & Bernie, S. (2017, October 21). Applied Design Skills and Technlogies K-9. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/av3rill/docs/applied_design_skills_and_technolog

Brooks Kirkland, A. (2017, May 10). Models for technology integration in the learning commons. Retrieved April 17, 2021, from https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/models-for-technology-integration-in-the-learning-commons/

Brown, T. (Performer). (2008). Tales of Creativity and Play [Video file]. In TED. Retrieved April 26, 2021, from https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_brown_tales_of_creativity_and_play

Canadian School Librariees. (2020). Standards of Practice. Retrieved April 26, 2021, from https://llsop.canadianschoollibraries.ca/standards-of-practice/

Chrichton, S. & Carter, D. (2017). Taking Making into Classrooms; A Toolkit for Fostering Creativity and imagination. Retrieved from: https://mytrainingbc.ca/maker/en/toolkit/Taking_Making_into_Classrooms.pdf

Hartwell, A. (2020, March 06). TPACK as a framework to Facilitate Co-Planning, teaching and assessing. Retrieved April 17, 2021, from https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/tpack-as-a-framework-to-facilitate-co-planning-teaching-and-assessing/

Koehler, M. (2017, June 09). TPACK explained. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from http://matt-koehler.com/tpack2/tpack-explained/

Liljedahl, P. (2020). Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning. United States: SAGE Publications.

Pierce, D. (2015, August 25). 3 Ways Mobile Technology Is Transforming Learning Spaces. Retrieved April 25, 2021, from https://thejournal.com/Articles/2015/08/25/3-Ways-Mobile-Technology-Is-Transforming-Learning-Spaces.aspx

R, C.  (Producer). (2013, May 30). SAMR in 120 seconds [Video file]. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us0w823KY0g

Shelly, K. (2015, January 02). Ready, Set, Design! Retrieved April 26, 2021, from https://www.cooperhewitt.org/2011/09/09/ready-set-design/

Young Adult Library Services Association. 2014. Making in the Library Toolkit. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/yalsa/sites/ala.org.yalsa/files/content/MakingintheLibraryToolkit2014.pdf