STEAM and the Learning Commons Philosophy

Formerly known as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math),  STEAM is an American
curriculum based on the idea of educating students in five specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, it is applied based on real world applications.

Here is a video showcasing the different ways to bring STEAM into the Learning Commons Library
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdD69KV59wo

Both STEAM and the Learning Commons philosophy create not only a physical space for collaboration but also an environment for project-based learning.

The Learning Commons  is something I'm really excited about! It incorporates all of our policies and procedures.


What is it?

It's a combination of a library, computer lab and maker space which facilitates a full service learning, research and project area.

How Does it work?

It is a flexible environment built to accommodate multiple learning activities. Designing—or redesigning—a commons starts with an analysis of student needs and the kind of work they will be doing.

Who's Involved? 

This is the best part....

This is everyone's space, and collaboration is key! This includes all of us working together - teachers, students, parents and administration. The school library learning commons is a concept that helps schools innovate and collaborate within a design that adapts to student and teacher needs.

Here are some helpful links below. There will more on the way. Also, I apologize, I'm so excited I'm bursting at the seems! There are limitless possibilities for what we can do with this. So if this is information overload I will scale it back. Also I would like to thank everyone for being so amazing!
This really wouldn't be possible without all of you.




Useful links 

https://education.alberta.ca/teachers/resources/connection/archive/september-2014/other-news/learningcommons/

https://education.alberta.ca/media/8752414/learningcommonsguidelines.pdf

https://education.alberta.ca/media/10131747/learning%20commons_curriculum%20coordinator%20mtgs%202014.pdf

http://www.cbeilc.info/l2lc/files/2013/05/Library_Learning_Commons_Implementation_Guide.pdf

http://www.cea-ace.ca/education-canada/article/library-learning-commons

http://cultureofyes.ca/2015/02/12/the-learning-commons-mindset/

https://ottomat3ch.wordpress.com/2013/08/27/the-learning-commons-philosophy-on-a-shoestring-budget/