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.