Designing Learning Environments to Support Participatory Learning

Active and knowledgeable involvement in participatory learning is a necessary competence for today’s learners. Learning commons spaces, collections and tools are changing in response to this paradigm shift. Working together in groups, both virtually and in person is the new norm. Inherent in these activities is the importance of security, privacy and good digital citizenship practices as well as effective collaboration skills and ensuring student well being and accessibility for all. A learning commons can provide both the physical and virtual learning environments as well as provide the supports necessary for the student to be an active participatory learner. The Learning Commons Leadership Team reviews and revises LLC learning environments to meet these evolving needs.

Themes		Growth Indicators
Designing for a Collaborative Physical LLC How might we transform LLC physical spaces to drive participatory learning?	Physical Library Learning Commons (LLC) spaces are reviewed and redesigned to support individual, small group and whole class work. SEE IT IN ACTION	Physical LLC spaces are flexible to facilitate spontaneous groupings. SEE IT IN ACTION	Physical LLC spaces are designed to engage learners in participatory learning. SEE IT IN ACTION	Physical LLC spaces invite networking and participatory learning opportunities within and beyond the school. SEE IT IN ACTION
Designing for a Collaborative Virtual LLC How might we create and facilitate participatory learning in virtual spaces?	Virtual LLC supports the information needs of students and teachers. SEE IT IN ACTION	Virtual LLC supports individual and group participation. SEE IT IN ACTION	Virtual LLC is designed to engage learners in participatory learning. SEE IT IN ACTION	Virtual LLC empowers learners to co-create and share ideas and knowledge with a broader learning community. SEE IT IN ACTION
Designing for Effectively Leveraging Technology in the LLC How might technology and network infrastructure support flexible learning, both independent and collaborative, in the LLC?	Evolving technologies and robust infrastructure to support teaching and learning needs are introduced. SEE IT IN ACTION	Evolving technologies and robust infrastructure facilitate collaborative learning. SEE IT IN ACTION	Evolving technologies and robust infrastructure engage participatory teaching and learning. SEE IT IN ACTION	Evolving technologies and robust infrastructure empower networking and participatory learning opportunities within and beyond the school. SEE IT IN ACTION
Designing for Transparent Knowledge Building in the LLC How might a principal know what knowledge building is happening if they were to ‘walk’ through the physical or virtual LLC?	Student work is celebrated and posted in the physical and virtual LLC. SEE IT IN ACTION	Learning goals are posted, and student progress is documented and displayed in the physical and virtual LLC. SEE IT IN ACTION	Participatory virtual and physical LLC spaces are utilized to guide students through the stages of research and inquiry and track progress. SEE IT IN ACTION	Digital pedagogical documentation tools are utilized in the LLC so students may continuously collaborate, self-assess, and support one another throughout projects. SEE IT IN ACTION
Designing for Accessibility in the LLC How might we apply universal design in the LLC?	LLC physical and virtual spaces are designed to address accessibility in accordance with district and regional policies. SEE IT IN ACTION	LLC physical and virtual spaces and technologies support multiple abilities, with particular benefit for special needs learners. SEE IT IN ACTION	LLC physical and virtual spaces encourage participation of special needs students in working with information and enjoying reading activities. SEE IT IN ACTION	LLC physical and virtual learning spaces assist and accommodations are experimented with to discover best approaches to making learning accessible to all. SEE IT IN ACTION
Designing for Responsive Print and Digital Collections How might students access print and digital collections that are responsive to their needs, and in which they can see themselves reflected?	Print and digital collections are inclusive, accessible, support Canadian identity, and the information needs of all learners in the school community. SEE IT IN ACTION	Print and digital collections are built by teacher-librarians in consultation with teachers to facilitate curriculum content and independent reading. SEE IT IN ACTION	Print and digital collections are built by teacher-librarians in consultation with teachers and students to ignite knowledge building and a love of reading. SEE IT IN ACTION	Print and digital collections are augmented by collaborative consultation with the school community to empower personalized learning. SEE IT IN ACTION
Designing for Creativity and Innovation How might we advance creativity and innovation in the LLC?	Learning experiences are explored and developed for hands-on learning. SEE IT IN ACTION	Learning experiences are developed to facilitate presentation productivity. SEE IT IN ACTION	Learning experiences are developed to engage learners in creative expression and communication. SEE IT IN ACTION	Learning experiences are developed to invite creativity and innovation. SEE IT IN ACTION
Designing for a Participatory School Culture How might we work towards a school-wide culture of participatory learning?	LLC celebrates learning accomplishments. SEE IT IN ACTION	LLC facilitates participatory school organizations and clubs. SEE IT IN ACTION	LLC engages learners to participate in events to build school culture. SEE IT IN ACTION	LLC invites the school community to participate in building school culture. SEE IT IN ACTION
Designing for the Individual How might we nurture the individual as well as the spirit of a collaborative learning environment?	Students demonstrate and experience respect and responsibility in the LLC. SEE IT IN ACTION	Students have opportunities to develop self-confidence and explore their identity in the LLC. SEE IT IN ACTION	Students develop their individuality, curiosity, and creativity through experiences in the LLC. SEE IT IN ACTION	Students exhibit personal, social and cultural confidence, and participate as active citizens through experiences in the LLC. SEE IT IN ACTION
Designing for Student Well Being in the LLC How might we ensure the emotional, physical, mental and academic safety of students within the LLC?	LLC physical and virtual spaces and learning experiences are designed to address physical, emotional, and academic safety of learners. SEE IT IN ACTION	LLC learning experiences are designed to support mental health and well-being. SEE IT IN ACTION	LLC works to build a culture of equity and inclusiveness in learning opportunities and facilities. SEE IT IN ACTION	LLC ensures opportunities for student choice and voice in designing for well-being. SEE IT IN ACTION