By David V. Loertscher and Carol Koechlin
Dear Teachers: The Learning Commons and the Future of Learning: Response to a Canadian Study
Abstract
Previously published in Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals 39 (4): 51-54. This article addressed to teachers is a response by Loertscher and Koechlin to reported teacher concerns regarding effective use of technology for learning, and how a learning commons responds to teachers in addressing these needs to “build a whole new way of learning”.
TMC2_2012_Loertscher_Koechlin.pdf
David V. Loertscher has degrees from the University of Utah, the University of Washington and a Ph.D. from Indiana University. He has been a school library media specialist in Nevada and Idaho at both the elementary and secondary school levels. He has taught at Purdue University, The University of Arkansas, The University of Oklahoma, and is presently a professor at the School of Library and Information Science at San José State University. He served as head of the editorial department at Libraries Unlimited for ten years and is President of Hi Willow Research & Publishing (distributed by LMC Source at www.lmcsource.com). He has been a president of the American Association of School Librarians. David is in demand internationally as a motivational presenter of school library learning commons driving excellence in learning.
Professor, San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science
312 South 1000 East
Salt Lake City UT 84102
Twitter: @davidloertscher
Website: www.schoollearningcommons.info
Carol Koechlin is an experienced educator who continues to contribute to the field of information literacy and school librarianship writing books, articles for professional journals, facilitating on-line courses, and presenting workshops in Canada and the United States. Many workshops focus on helping schools address the needs of learners today by teaching questioning skills and designing ‘high think’ assignments and projects that ignite student interest and utilize collaborative learning environments.
Working with Dr. David Loertscher, the team has developed foundations for the transformation of school libraries and computer labs into a Learning Commons. Their current work takes them into developing strategies for building the Virtual Learning Commons.
Education Consultant
Toronto, Canada
Twitter: @infosmarts
Website: www.schoollearningcommons.info
ScoopIt: School Library Learning Commons