Making the most of digital resources - Hazel White and Alicia WallaceJisc
Led by Hazel White, account manager, Jisc.
With contribution from Alicia Wallace, digital learning manager, Gloucestershire College.
In this session you’ll hear from local colleagues, explaining how they are making the most of some of the digital resources available through Jisc.
Jisc Connect more in Northern Ireland, 23 June 2016
How you can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness for teaching and learni...Jisc
Led by Sue Attewell, head of change - further education and skills, Jisc.
With contributions from:
David Mason, tutor and assessor at North Liverpool Community College
Nick Almond, director of learning and teaching development, Liverpool Hope University
Connect more in Liverpool, 21 June 2016.
Jisc Support for Asset Sharing - Kit-Catalogue National User Group November 2014Martin Hamilton
My slides introducing Jisc's support for asset sharing, at the 2014 Kit-Catalogue national user group. I talk about the rationale for Jisc becoming involved in supporting equipment sharing and the Jisc Kit-Catalogue pilot, and present some feedback from user group delegates about their experiences of equipment sharing. For more information about this initiative, please see http://www.jisc.ac.uk/research/projects/equipment-sharing
From Jisc's student experience experts group meeting in Birmingham on 21 April 2016.
https://www.jisc.ac.uk/events/student-experience-experts-group-meeting-20-apr-2016
A digital literacies framework – its strengths, weaknesses and opportunitiesJisc
Speaker: Fiona Handley, senior lecturer in learning and teaching, University of Brighton.
This session will explore the University of Brighton’s digital literacies framework which was launched in 2014.
The framework, which is aimed at academic staff, is divided into four categories: learning and teaching, research, communication and collaboration, and administration.
The session explores the strengths of a framework approach, the challenges it presents, but also the ongoing opportunities it offers compared to other digital literacy and capability initiatives.
From Jisc's student experience experts group meeting in Birmingham on 21 April 2016.
https://www.jisc.ac.uk/events/student-experience-experts-group-meeting-20-apr-2016
Implementing analytics - Paul Bailey, Tessa Rogowski and Roy CurrieJisc
Led by Paul Bailey, senior co-design manager, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Tessa Rogowski, Assistant director - IT services, University of Essex
Roy Currie, director of information and learning technologies, Bedford College
Connect more in Nottingham, Tuesday 12 July 2016.
Making the most of digital resources - Hazel White and Alicia WallaceJisc
Led by Hazel White, account manager, Jisc.
With contribution from Alicia Wallace, digital learning manager, Gloucestershire College.
In this session you’ll hear from local colleagues, explaining how they are making the most of some of the digital resources available through Jisc.
Jisc Connect more in Northern Ireland, 23 June 2016
How you can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness for teaching and learni...Jisc
Led by Sue Attewell, head of change - further education and skills, Jisc.
With contributions from:
David Mason, tutor and assessor at North Liverpool Community College
Nick Almond, director of learning and teaching development, Liverpool Hope University
Connect more in Liverpool, 21 June 2016.
Jisc Support for Asset Sharing - Kit-Catalogue National User Group November 2014Martin Hamilton
My slides introducing Jisc's support for asset sharing, at the 2014 Kit-Catalogue national user group. I talk about the rationale for Jisc becoming involved in supporting equipment sharing and the Jisc Kit-Catalogue pilot, and present some feedback from user group delegates about their experiences of equipment sharing. For more information about this initiative, please see http://www.jisc.ac.uk/research/projects/equipment-sharing
From Jisc's student experience experts group meeting in Birmingham on 21 April 2016.
https://www.jisc.ac.uk/events/student-experience-experts-group-meeting-20-apr-2016
A digital literacies framework – its strengths, weaknesses and opportunitiesJisc
Speaker: Fiona Handley, senior lecturer in learning and teaching, University of Brighton.
This session will explore the University of Brighton’s digital literacies framework which was launched in 2014.
The framework, which is aimed at academic staff, is divided into four categories: learning and teaching, research, communication and collaboration, and administration.
The session explores the strengths of a framework approach, the challenges it presents, but also the ongoing opportunities it offers compared to other digital literacy and capability initiatives.
From Jisc's student experience experts group meeting in Birmingham on 21 April 2016.
https://www.jisc.ac.uk/events/student-experience-experts-group-meeting-20-apr-2016
Implementing analytics - Paul Bailey, Tessa Rogowski and Roy CurrieJisc
Led by Paul Bailey, senior co-design manager, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Tessa Rogowski, Assistant director - IT services, University of Essex
Roy Currie, director of information and learning technologies, Bedford College
Connect more in Nottingham, Tuesday 12 July 2016.
How you can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching and learning...Jisc
Led by Paul McKean, head of further education and skills, Jisc.
With contribution from Lina Petrakieva, academic development tutor, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Jisc Connect more in Scotland, 16 June 2016
Working in partnership to develop student employability - Jisc Digifest 2016Jisc
Many colleges and universities recognise they need to adopt a whole-institution approach to equip students with the skills, confidence and experience they need for the modern workplace.
This workshop will showcase current practice from colleges and universities that are realising the benefits of working with students as active partners in strategy development and change initiatives. It will also explore how technology is supporting students in gaining the digital skills they need to effectively communicate, influence and engage with employers.
Staff-student partnership working to effect institutional change - Jisc Digit...Jisc
Implementing effective institutional change can be a real challenge. This workshop introduced the change agents’ network and how it supports student-staff partnership working to implement technology-enhanced learning.
Universities must make strategic decisions in order to thrive in a complex and changing environment. Topics faced are widely applicable across students, staff, research, estates and finance. The data landscape informing these decisions is vast, varied and sub-optimal. A revolution in data exploitation technologies, Jisc and HESA collaborated to deliver business intelligence services to members.
This session demonstrates new interactive dashboards available to delegates and provide a glimpse at the immediate future for this service.
Business intelligence: making more informed decisions - Jisc Digifest 2016Jisc
We’re developing a lab environment for you to experiment with data sources to create dashboards and analyses to help a wide range of staff in your organisation make better informed, strategic decisions.
Learn about our agile approach and some of the legal and practical issues we’ve come across around data re-use. Hear how university data experts have benefitted from taking part and see some of the new dashboards and analyses the teams have created.
Making the most of digital resources - Anthony Beal and Neil LongleyJisc
Led by Anthony Beal, account manager, Jisc.
With contribution from Neil Longley, learning centre coordinator at Sunderland College.
In this session you’ll hear from local colleagues, explaining how they are making the most of some of the digital resources available through Jisc.
Connect more in Liverpool, 21 June 2016.
This panel session discussed current practice, trends and challenges in the strategic use of technology-enhanced learning in higher education and includes key barriers and enablers to driving change in the student and staff experience.
This session will be streaming live.
From Jisc's student experience experts group meeting in Birmingham on 21 April 2016.
https://www.jisc.ac.uk/events/student-experience-experts-group-meeting-20-apr-2016
Leveraging change through digital capability - James Clay, Chris Roberts, Tim...Jisc
Led by James Clay, project manager, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Chris Roberts, deputy learning resources manager/librarian, Lambeth College
Tim Linsey, director of Centre for Higher Education Research and Practice, Kingston University
Connect more in London, 29 June 2016
Implementing analytics - Myles Danson, Shri Footring, David Matthews, James F...Jisc
Led by Myles Danson, senior co-design manager and Shri Footring, senior co-design manager - enterprise, both Jisc.
With contributions from:
David Matthews, VLE development manager, Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance
James Foster, planning analyst, University of Kent
Connect more in London, 28 June 2016
Collaboration through technology: moving from possibility to practiceJisc
Led by Emma Smith, media services development coordinator, Jisc.
With contribution from Anna-Wendy Stevenson, applied music programme leader, University of the Highlands and Islands.
This session will explore the potential that technology can bring to all forms of collaboration, and consider the difference that it has made to some local organisations and their practices.
Jisc Connect more in Scotland, 16 June 2016
Leveraging change through digital capability - Lawrie Phipps, Terri Smith and...Jisc
Led by Lawrie Phipps, senior co-design manager, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Terri Smith, head of innovative learning, West College Scotland
Sheila MacNeill, senior lecturer in blended learning, Glasgow Caledonian University
Jisc Connect more in Scotland, 16 June 2016
Leveraging change through digital capability - Scott Hibberson, Marcus Elliot...Jisc
Led by Scott Hibberson, subject specialist - online learning and the digital student experience, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Marcus Elliott and Kerry Pinny, digital educational developers, University of Lincoln
Connect more in Nottingham, Tuesday 12 July 2016.
Associate Provost Carey Hatch delivers the Open SUNY update at the SLN SOLsummit 2014 on February 26, 2014 in New York City at the SUNY Global Center.
http://slnsolsummit2014.edublogs.org/registration/materials/
Collaboration through technology: moving from possibility to practice - Tim B...Jisc
Led by Tim Boundy, applications and video development team manager, Jisc.
With contribution from Pete Gallop, head of ILT, Isle of Wight College.
This session will explore the potential that technology can bring to all forms of collaboration, and consider the difference that it has made to some local organisations and their practices.
Connect more in Nottingham, Tuesday 12 July 2016.
How you can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching and learning...Jisc
Led by Paul McKean, head of further education and skills, Jisc.
With contribution from Lina Petrakieva, academic development tutor, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Jisc Connect more in Scotland, 16 June 2016
Working in partnership to develop student employability - Jisc Digifest 2016Jisc
Many colleges and universities recognise they need to adopt a whole-institution approach to equip students with the skills, confidence and experience they need for the modern workplace.
This workshop will showcase current practice from colleges and universities that are realising the benefits of working with students as active partners in strategy development and change initiatives. It will also explore how technology is supporting students in gaining the digital skills they need to effectively communicate, influence and engage with employers.
Staff-student partnership working to effect institutional change - Jisc Digit...Jisc
Implementing effective institutional change can be a real challenge. This workshop introduced the change agents’ network and how it supports student-staff partnership working to implement technology-enhanced learning.
Universities must make strategic decisions in order to thrive in a complex and changing environment. Topics faced are widely applicable across students, staff, research, estates and finance. The data landscape informing these decisions is vast, varied and sub-optimal. A revolution in data exploitation technologies, Jisc and HESA collaborated to deliver business intelligence services to members.
This session demonstrates new interactive dashboards available to delegates and provide a glimpse at the immediate future for this service.
Business intelligence: making more informed decisions - Jisc Digifest 2016Jisc
We’re developing a lab environment for you to experiment with data sources to create dashboards and analyses to help a wide range of staff in your organisation make better informed, strategic decisions.
Learn about our agile approach and some of the legal and practical issues we’ve come across around data re-use. Hear how university data experts have benefitted from taking part and see some of the new dashboards and analyses the teams have created.
Making the most of digital resources - Anthony Beal and Neil LongleyJisc
Led by Anthony Beal, account manager, Jisc.
With contribution from Neil Longley, learning centre coordinator at Sunderland College.
In this session you’ll hear from local colleagues, explaining how they are making the most of some of the digital resources available through Jisc.
Connect more in Liverpool, 21 June 2016.
This panel session discussed current practice, trends and challenges in the strategic use of technology-enhanced learning in higher education and includes key barriers and enablers to driving change in the student and staff experience.
This session will be streaming live.
From Jisc's student experience experts group meeting in Birmingham on 21 April 2016.
https://www.jisc.ac.uk/events/student-experience-experts-group-meeting-20-apr-2016
Leveraging change through digital capability - James Clay, Chris Roberts, Tim...Jisc
Led by James Clay, project manager, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Chris Roberts, deputy learning resources manager/librarian, Lambeth College
Tim Linsey, director of Centre for Higher Education Research and Practice, Kingston University
Connect more in London, 29 June 2016
Implementing analytics - Myles Danson, Shri Footring, David Matthews, James F...Jisc
Led by Myles Danson, senior co-design manager and Shri Footring, senior co-design manager - enterprise, both Jisc.
With contributions from:
David Matthews, VLE development manager, Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance
James Foster, planning analyst, University of Kent
Connect more in London, 28 June 2016
Collaboration through technology: moving from possibility to practiceJisc
Led by Emma Smith, media services development coordinator, Jisc.
With contribution from Anna-Wendy Stevenson, applied music programme leader, University of the Highlands and Islands.
This session will explore the potential that technology can bring to all forms of collaboration, and consider the difference that it has made to some local organisations and their practices.
Jisc Connect more in Scotland, 16 June 2016
Leveraging change through digital capability - Lawrie Phipps, Terri Smith and...Jisc
Led by Lawrie Phipps, senior co-design manager, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Terri Smith, head of innovative learning, West College Scotland
Sheila MacNeill, senior lecturer in blended learning, Glasgow Caledonian University
Jisc Connect more in Scotland, 16 June 2016
Leveraging change through digital capability - Scott Hibberson, Marcus Elliot...Jisc
Led by Scott Hibberson, subject specialist - online learning and the digital student experience, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Marcus Elliott and Kerry Pinny, digital educational developers, University of Lincoln
Connect more in Nottingham, Tuesday 12 July 2016.
Associate Provost Carey Hatch delivers the Open SUNY update at the SLN SOLsummit 2014 on February 26, 2014 in New York City at the SUNY Global Center.
http://slnsolsummit2014.edublogs.org/registration/materials/
Collaboration through technology: moving from possibility to practice - Tim B...Jisc
Led by Tim Boundy, applications and video development team manager, Jisc.
With contribution from Pete Gallop, head of ILT, Isle of Wight College.
This session will explore the potential that technology can bring to all forms of collaboration, and consider the difference that it has made to some local organisations and their practices.
Connect more in Nottingham, Tuesday 12 July 2016.
Leveraging change through digital capability - Sarah Davies, Beckie Dunsby, J...Jisc
Led by Sarah Davies, head of higher education and student experience, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Beckie Dunsby, learning technologies co-ordinator at Swindon College
Jayne Holt, assistant principal - learning services at Walsall College
Connect more in Cheltenham, 30 June 2016
Re Defining The Learning Architecture In Your School Tony Carrucantcarrucan
This presentation provides information on how schools can implement cloud computing to extend their learning architecture and optimise the use of social networks.
Steve Beswick, Director of Education Sector, discusses Microsoft's place in education. His presentation provide guidance and vision for headmasters, principals, IT managers, and administrators about a variety of technical topics related to education. Topics discussed in clude virtual learning gateways, SharePoint, data management, and organizational agility.
Leveraging change through digital capability - Esther Barrett, Geoff Elliott,...Jisc
Led by Esther Barrett, subject specialist in teaching, learning and assessment, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Geoff Elliott, learning and technology development manager, Pembrokeshire College
Berni Tyler, managing director, ISA Training
Connect more in Wales, Thursday 7 July 2016
From CMS to Learning and Teaching: Trends in Digital Learning Content and Web 2.0 Integration presented at Sloan-C conference in Orlando, November 30, 2009, by Rob Abel, CEO, IMS Global Learning Consortium
This presentation is for the 2013 ISTE Conference. It is about online professional games that I developed to support learning about educational technologies for our district's librarians.
Led by Esther Barrett, subject specialist in teaching, learning and assessment, Jisc.
With contributions from:
Dr Liz Bennett, director of learning and teaching, University of Huddersfield
Ciara Duffy, virtual services manager, South West College
Louise Woods and Claire McCloskey, e-learning developers, South West College
Jisc Connect more in Northern Ireland, 23 June 2016
This presentation was provided by Marcia Barrett of The University of California, Santa Cruz, Casey Cheney of Backstage Library Works, Kelsey George of The University of Nevada - Las Vegas, Alistair Morrison of Johns Hopkins University Libraries, Patricia Payton of Proquest, and Nathan Putnam of OCLC, during the NISO webinar "Value-Add to Cataloging: Efficiency and Effectiveness Revisited, which was held on October 9, 2019.
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
CCHS is a high performing school 20 miles west of Boston. Just shy of 1400 students.
First year 2007-2008 I knew I wanted to make changes, but also needed to observe for a time and assess what was in place. Physically the library is huge, open plan over 3 floors with ramps connecting all the levels. It is the first space you see on entering the main entrance of the school. Windows on 2 sides so it is filled with light and sky - well, sort of. All the best spaces were filled with books. Students had least desirable seating. There was one cramped area for a class to meet. Very traditional program focused on maintaining silence and individual study at all times. It felt like a cluttered prison.
Book cases block light and best views Signs all over Reinforcing silent individual study as the only appropriate use The no food signs hadn’t worked. They snuck food in and messes were common. There were so many rules and punishments the library was a place of continual conflict.
I knew what I wanted, and I knew the students couldn’t wait any longer. Based on everything I was reading and hearing at conferences from leaders in the field, we needed to start by putting student needs first. We also needed to diversify our collection, and start promoting 21st century skills for students and faculty. The library I walked into valued books more than students. The space was dedicated to housing stuff, and it was holding me back. In order to make the shift, I needed a multi-pronged approach.
We needed to change ourselves. With the library staff and our Human Resources department we re-wrote all our job descriptions, focusing on student services and professional development. We went from having 3 generic assistant librarians to 3 specific areas of expertise. Reference Librarian changed to Student Services Specialist Clerical changed to Accounts Specialist Created the role of Media Production Specialist. Partnering with our local Cablecast company I was able to hire a professional videographer and independent documentary producer. She keeps our technology humming along, handles updates, and can provide advanced support for student digital and media projects. My job description was adapted to reflect that as a teacher my content area is information and media literacy, and the skills and technologies to support them. As Alan November suggests, I am redefining the role of Librarian as Information and Global Communication Specialist. We are rewriting the evaluation for my position this year. Our staff was totally re-energized and bought in with the changes. We became a very strong team focused on the students.
In 2007 the CCHS Library respected the books too much, and the students too little. Cleared space filling 2 20 foot containers of junk. Our district has invested heavily in technology, but none of it ever made it to the library. We had 8 PCs, Quickly added first floor ActivBoard area, 1 laptop cart (20). Added 10 desktop iMacs Weeded and started reorganizing collection - removed 5,000 books, and began process of consolidating the collection on the 3rd floor, and also putting it into sequential order. Previously it was so confusing you needed a librarian to help you find anything. Collaborative outreach - department visits inviting them to visit Professional development for faculty - databases, basic tools Baked a lot of cookies
More technology - We retired the PCs and got 22 additional desktop iMacs, second ActivBoard area, second laptop cart, and became the test space for new wireless technologies that are now being installed throughout our campus. Installed a New Media Lab in the former Teacher’s Professional Library with - 8 beefy Mac editing stations, loaded with with everything, and external hard drives for student work. Grants - soft chairs, digital Flip cameras, student supply carts for projects Collection development - graphic novels, ebooks, Playaways, MP3 CDs and players (direct curriculum support), digital Flip cameras (10) PAUSE - SO, WHAT DID CHANGE LOOK LIKE?
Technology - clear books to create instructional spaces featuring digital technologies. On the main floor of the learning commons, this area is used for student presentations, clubs, classes, professional development -constant use. And it is located right by the entrance so instead of looking in at books, you see a dynamic area busy with diverse activities.
This is the 3rd floor. Books were moved to carve out a second class area. The nice thing about this area is that we were able to consolidate nonfiction and reference to proved a space the really works well to support student research. It also has a laptop cart with 20 laptops and is right near the media lab.
Old Teacher’s Professional Lounge - dirty, neglected, obsolete and unprofessional. The new media lab has 8 robust production stations, but it isn’t pretty - yet. It needs fresh paint and furniture that matches, but students are so busy working they don’t seem to notice.
The microfiche was replaced with 8 iMacs.
New light grid was installed featuring energy efficient, state of the art fixtures that fill the space with clean light. Gorgeous.
Our local Garden Club gave us a grant to revitalize the old planter and provided us with plants and pots for the library. Brought color and energy.
William Shakespeare and Mark Twain posters have been replaced with original Student art - we hosted the Urban Art Club’s first exhibition.
Games, supply carts with basic student supplies, new dictionaries (English, Foreign Languages), basic arts and crafts supplies. Also got a $15,000 grant for high end digital cameras, green screen, light and audio kits to jump start video production opportunities for students. Partnering with our local cablecast company for training.
Grants for new soft chairs for flexible seating.
This year we are looking for grants to showcase student art - frames, display spaces for more delicate art. PAUSE and set up EVIDENCE of CHANGE Ross Todd might ask we if we have been able to provide any evidence of change.
Students are checking out more books than ever. 55% increase! This year seems stronger than last.
2008 - 2009 average daily # student visits over 600 2007 - 2008 346 class visits 2008 - 2009 470 class visits - 35% INCREASE although this past Wednesday we close to 800 students. Again, this increase is driven by class visits.
This is one measure of the impact the learning commons is having on professional development. Last May I visited departments to introduce and give tutorials on wikis. This September we held a faculty training session and you can see the activity. Teachers are really enjoying using wikis and their students are benefiting. We are planning more programs for staff to keep the momentum going.
Using Google docs Forms, we are tracking data. By keeping our eye on the standards we can assess the quality of instruction and provide school administration with concrete reasons to continue to support our program. This is powerful data for advocacy.
The skills are based on the standards. Note the training in specific applications at the bottom. Students are building their Web 2.0 skill sets in almost every class visit.
Again, we are tracking very specific data points. I am keeping an eagle eye on databases here, and anticipate this to make a big jump as we get further into the year and teachers start assigning research activities. Still, good data like this keeps us focused on our students and the services we need to be providing. Looking at this I can approach department chairs and ask them to touch base with their teachers and get back to me. The Learning Commons is providing departments with solid data on student work.
This data pool in particular keeps our program laser focused on creating authentic assessment of student progress. It is also a very good indicator of how successful we are in collaborating with teachers. Using the Learning Commons as a professional development center will hopefully continue to help us with this, as indicated by our wiki stats.
Continue what we have started, and keep evaluating, keeping the core values of the Learning Commons center to our mission and planning. One of my professional goals this year is to further develop our virtual space and expand awareness of the 24/7 support we can provide our students and faculty.
LARGE renovation - learning commons central, online learning, planned collaborative spaces, performance/Skype forum, tech rich, wireless, genius bar, pilot digital texts to prepare Rededicating as the CCHS Learning Commons People have strong emotional connections to libraries. This hits a nerve. We know and understand libraries, but information has changed, format has changed, publishing has changed - we have to change. In 20 years Learning Commons may have the same sorts of emotional context that libraries hold today.
So we have gone from being a warehouse of books and broken furniture to a busy, vibrant place for students and faculty to gather and learn in a wireless, connected, 21st century environment. It is a vibrant place filled with space, light, student art, student life, and teachers talking and learning. The cost of this transition to the district is has been minimal. It was done with sweat equity, cookies, and grants. Thanks to Valerie Diggs, Sandy Kelly and the Massachusetts School Library Association for providing me with the professional development and vision to start the process of creating a true Learning Commons for the students, faculty and community of Concord-Carlisle High School.