Learning Environments: Exemplar B4

Standard: Designing Learning Environments to Support Participatory Learning

Theme: Designing for a Collaborative Virtual LLC

Growth Phase: Leading

Growth Indicator: Virtual LLC empowers learners to co-create and share ideas and knowledge with a broader learning community.


This North York, Ontario, high school library virtual learning commons design invites student participation, use and support.

Earl Haig Secondary School Library. (2014). Earl Haig Secondary School learning commons.
http://earlhaig.ca/library/


“The Digital Human Library (dHL) is a new kind of library that addresses the need for connections-based learning through the curation of volunteer human resources(experts) that are catalogued and available for loan virtually to teachers, students, and librarians. (Cassell) Discover new ways to leverage technologies and connect learners to each other and experts around the world.

Cassell, L. (2017). Digital Human Library. Retrieved from https://www.digitalhumanlibrary.com/


In this virtual coffee shop’s series focused on libraries/learning commons, the host invites noted LLC leaders and experts Anita Brooks Kirkland and David Loertscher to discuss and inspire listeners regarding the components, philosophy, examples, learning benefits, globalization and innovation possibilities inherent to the virtual SLLC. Collaboration, co-teaching and best practice in the virtual LLC environment is highlighted.

Carbone, M.W. (Host). (2020, April 24).  Virtual Coffee Shop Podcast 16 [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://blog.markwcarbone.ca/2020/04/24/virtual-coffee-shop-podcast-16/


Explore this dynamic virtual LLC for literacy and curricular connections for students and professional connections via Twitter for educators.  Of particular note is the “Virtual Genius Cart” with awesome learning activities students can do at home and school such as maker spaces, places to explore (museums, NASA, etc.), moving and mindfulness resources, and an outline of the LLC “Genius Cart” with an online challenge.  Designed for elementary school students; this site could also serve as a model for secondary virtual LLC design.

Lyons, B. (2020). Larkspur Learning Commons. Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/pdsb.net/larkspurvllc/home


This article looks at ways libraries have utilized their virtual spaces to maximize collaboration and participation in the current remote learning environment created by the pandemic. The author lists design ideas for virtual spaces as well as outlining the use of different collaborative  platforms like Google Apps and the importance of using technology like FlipGrid for book clubs. The article also includes useful links to slides from a webinar series to highlight the virtual library learning commons. 

Brooks Kirkland, A. (2020, June 2). The Virtual Library Learning Commons: Leveraging the Pandemic Tipping Point for Lasting Change. Canadian School Libraries Journal 4 (2). Retrieved from https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/the-virtual-library-learning-commons-leveraging-the-pandemic-tipping-point-for-lasting-change/


Read about how two Ontario teacher-librarians are collaborating together and with others to adapt the virtual essence of the SLLC into a better understanding “of the goals and purpose of a virtual library learning commons and the role it can play during emergency distance learning and beyond” – necessitated more than ever during the 2020 covoid pandemic. Includes key strategies, resources, examples of virtual library learning commons to visit, and recommended digital tools.

Brown, J. & Lyons, B.  (2020, June 2). Taking the Leap:  Growing a VLC. Canadian School Libraries Journal 4 (2). Retrieved from https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/taking-the-leap-growing-a-vllc/