QUICK READ
By Randi Solomon
The LC virtual space is an essential extension to the physical library commons, supplementing student and professional learning in flexible and versatile ways.
Whether it’s an LMS (like Google Classroom), a website, blog or another digital tool, you’ve probably already used or created some of the virtual spaces in your school’s library commons. Here’s some thoughts about what that virtual space can do for student learning.
3 vital ways a virtual space can support a learning commons.
24/7 Support.
By offering 24/7 support, the VS offers a way to collaborate when being together in a physical space is not possible, or when individual questions arise at 11 pm, or when time management constraints make after hours work a necessity (very common with high school kids). Really, it is supporting access via digital formats.
Wide Range of Information.
A VS makes many forms of information available that may be paid subscriptions by an LC (such as library databases and academic journals). Various forms of information (added to a virtual classroom or LMS) help support diverse learning styles and preferences. Stephanie Carmichael writes about this potential in her blog, “The ‘textbook’ becomes much larger: videos, articles, polls, whiteboards, audio clips, animations, slideshows, quizzes, even educational games — anything that can be found or created digitally” https://www.classcraft.com/blog/features/google-classroom-virtual-classroom-lms/
Exposure to new tools and apps.
A VS can include access to new, useful tools and apps which students may not have found on their own. It’s a great way to have students learn new digital tools and provide feedback to others about their use and value.
2 Ways to extend your technology further.
Conduct an online scavenger hunt.
Using a survey tool (such as Google Forms, Survey Monkey), make a fun contest to help familiarize the school community with all your amazing and useful virtual content. Add prizes to boost traffic and engagement!
Offer a Book Club, like virtually.
There’s an app for that. Here’s a couple resources to check out:
https://bookriot.com/2018/08/14/book-club-apps/; https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamrowe1/2019/11/24/one-app-is-helping-thousands-of-book-clubs-organize-in-the-digital-age/#77f9f9d61b26
1 nagging question to think about.
Who can help? With the rapid pace of change in technology, find out how to get more hands on deck to keep your virtual space relevant, current, and oft-visited.
Further Reading.
https://new.edmodo.com/?go2url=%2Fhome
https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/edmodo
Randi Solomon 