Connections and Synergies

ELI Focus Group Session on Blended Learning

 Check out the following report on Blended Learning from ELI:

ELI Focus Group Session on Blended Learning

2012 eLearning Predictions

Tony Bates makes some interesting predictions for eLearning in 2012:

1. Tablets
2. Learning analytics
3. Open eductation
4. LMS disruptions
5. Social media integration
6. The digital university

COHERE Report on Blended Learning in Canada

This new report from COHERE (Collaboration for Online Higher Education and Research)  begins with "Blended learning has the potential to enhance and transform Canadian higher education in teaching and learning, in flexibility and access, and in the optimization of resources. It also helps to provide the digital literacies essential for a global graduate and knowledge worker." (p.i)  The report concludes that "successful and sustained integration and uptake of blended learning requires a strategic approach, clear definitions, pedagogical and technological support and dedication of resources and infrastructure.
.... It is clear from the university responses and existing research that blended learning has an enormous potential to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students." (p.15)

Interesting reading from a Canadian perspective.

 

#5 - European Study Tour - Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam

From the Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam website: "the library is developing away from being a warehouse full of books into an exciting, stimulating and multifarious information source. Once a subdued, still sanctary, now an open house to all who hunger knowledge and recreation".

Great furniture, great lighting, great view!!

 

#4 - European Library Study Tour - DOK Library Concept Centre, Delft, NL.

The DOK Library Concept Centre was the library on the tour that I was most looking forward to.  When planning the new Cummings Library and Collaboratory, I used DOK as inspiration! After seeing DOK in person, I realized we actually could have gone much, much bolder at Mohawk! 

Serving a population of 100,000, DOK Library Concept Centre's mission is to become and remain the most advanced library in the world - Library 3.0! To that end, they are very forward, open, innovative and responsive to the community, technology, the digital world and the concept of "library".

Colour is the name of the game in this library!  The furniture is fun, brave and gutsy!  Services are bold and brash!  Books, music, technology, local history, storytelling, art - all things cultural are celebrated and available in/through the library!  DOK is proud of who they are, and clearly, the community is proud of DOK.  The most amazing aha I had was that DOK isn't really all that terribly different from many libraries, it just presents itself so much more audaciously! 

Because a picture is worth a thousand words, check out all of the pictures posted by The Shifted Librarian on a very comprehensive Flickr slideshow of DOK.  Here are a few of my own photos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3 - European Library Study Tour - The Black Diamond - The Royal Danish Library - Copenhagen

The Black Diamond, designed by Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen, is a modern extension to the Royal Danish Library's classic national library.  Clad in polished black granite with irregular angles, the extension has been nicknamed the Black Diamond.  Completed in 1999, it was the first in a series of large-scale cultural buildings to border Copenhagen's waterfront.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were privileged, on the study tour, to spend a full day with architect Morten Schmidt.  He showcased the Black Diamond, and raced an eager bunch of archi-fans to see the newly constructed The Crystal, an extension of Nykredit Headquarters, a few blocks away.  The Crystal is a huge, crystalline building which rests on a single point and a single line, allowing for unhindered views as well as movement around and underneath the building.

Schmidt Hammer Larssen have teamed up with Halifax architects Fowler Bauld & Mitchell for a new Halifax Central Library project.  We were lucky to have lead architect George Cotaras from Fowler Bauld & Mitchell with us on the tour as well.  Here is a drawing of the Halifax Central Library from the library building website:

 

#2 - European Library Study Tour - Information Service Points

In most of the libraries visited, reference/information services has made a complete transformation from static desks to mobile, flexible, shared points of contact.  Some examples:

• Delft DOK Concept Library has cell phones charged and ready for front line staff to pick up first thing every shift.  Staff use the cell phones as they rove the library to refer to each other as well as to respond to customer calls. 
• Staff in many of the libraries dress very casually, but are clearly identified as library staff by wearing vests.
• Almere Library's service points are liberally sprinkled throughout the entire library.  Staff are assigned to a "zone" that they rove through.  Depending on where in the zone they are when asked a question by a student, they simply access the nearest service point.  These information service stations often merge into shelving units, display areas and/or student workspaces beautifully - blending staff and user functions seamlessly.

 

Some service point images (click on image for larger size):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some vest images:

European Library Study Tour

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a European Library Study Tour with the Canadian Urban Library Council.  We travelled to Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Holland, Sept 24 - Oct 4.  My next few posts will highlight some of the spectacular libraries we saw, as well as some of the cutting edge architects and library folks we met with.  

A huge #1 for me was the Technical University Delft Library.  Designed by Mecanoo Architecten, this was by far the most beautiful library I have ever seen (and believe me, I have seen a lot of libraries!).   Most spectacular was how the huge, four-storey building melts right into the campus landscape.  Inside, books are "sidelined", but certainly showcased, in an enormous four story bookcase. Because of this unique approach to housing the book collection, most of the interior can then be devoted to student study and work spaces.  Awe inspiring!  (Click on images for larger view)

7 Things You Should Know About...

Check out EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative's (ELI's) 7 Things You Should Know About...learning technology briefs.  The series provides quick information on emerging learning technologies - what it is and how it works - and related practices - implications for teaching and learning.

Recent topics include: wordpress, gamification, the Cloud, iPad apps, learning commons, hy/flex course models, android, and much more.

ECAR National Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2011 Report - NOW AVAILABLE

ECAR Recommends

See the 2011 Report for a full list of actionable results.

• Investigate your students' technology needs and preferences and create an action plan to better integrate technology into courses and information systems.
• Provide professional development opportunities and incentives so instructors can better use the technology they have.
• Expand or enhance students' involvement in technology planning and decision making.
• Meet students' expectations for anytime, everywhere, Wi-Fi access on the devices they prefer to use.
• Nail the basics. Help faculty and administrators support students' use of core productivity software for academic work.