Myrnam School & Public Library is now being transformed into a Learning Commons!!!!! “What is that” you ask? Weeelllll, I’m going to try and explain as best I can because its new to me too.
How is it different from the traditional school library?
Traditional school libraries are seen as quiet places full of printed books, people reading and librarians ‘shushing’. A Learning Commons takes school libraries into the 21st century. Yes, we still have printed text, and there are still people reading, and there is still a librarian, however; the Learning Commons has so much more! There is a hum of activity with students talking, learning, searching for information on a variety of devices, focusing on content creation and synthesizing of information. The Learning Commons becomes the hub and the heart of the school; a place for teachers and librarians to collaborate to build inquiry learning and critical thinking skills in students; a place for technology integration and experimentation; a place that is ‘owned’ by students and staff alike.
Who knows when you come in you might find the drama class in practice, social students in a heated debate on the Canadian constitution, a robotic battle happening on the floor or story-time on the carpet. Every day is new and exciting. Come on in for a visit.