June th LIBER Annual Conference R 1 The New Learning Environment: impact on staff and students Ellen Simons Learning and Innovation Center Avans University of Applied Sciences

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference 2 Avans University of Applied Sciences 3 locations students 60 bachelor programs 7 master programs 19 schools 1 Learning and Innovation Center 4 support units staff

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Traditional education

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Modern education

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference 5 The influence of the learning environment “We know that space can have a significant impact on teaching and learning. Exactly how we bring together space, technology, and pedagogy will continue to evolve.” Diane G. Oblinger, Space as a change agent, in Learning Spaces, Educause, 2006 “Spaces are themselves agents for change. Changed spaces will change practice.” JISC, Designing Spaces for Effective Learning: A guide to 21st century learning space design, 2006

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Consequences for Library Adequate resources Library Staff takes part in educational process Library must change into a rich learning environment

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Vision on learning and teaching is leading Connecting people: student – teacher – professional field Recognising diversity Creating knowledge Establishing a dynamic learning environment physical and virtual 7

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference 8 From library to The New Learning Environment

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Books, journals, etc. arranged by topic/subject 2100 work places (70% for group study- and 30% individual study) divided over Breda (1.100), ‘s- Hertogenbosch (800), Tilburg (200) 800 pc’s, Wireless, Information desks on every floor Service desk at the entrance Teachers’ desk Multimedia studio Print/Copier Units, scanners self-issue machines Coffee corners Internet café Possibility of 24-7 opening-hours at Breda

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Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Positioning of the Learning Centre Just a facility or a key element in the institution’s vision on teaching and learning?

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference 12 Facility or Strategic instrument? “A learning space should be able to motivate learners and promote learning as an activity, support collaborative as well as formal practice, provide a personalised and inclusive environment, and be flexible in the face of changing needs.” JISC

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference 13 Key element in strategic vision: “What is important is that designs of physical spaces are linked to the institution’s strategic vision for teaching and learning, and that this is articulated in every detail of the design and shared with all stakeholders, including learners.” JISC

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Positioning of Xplora in Avans University Xplora as part of Learning and Innovation Centre: Provides an integrated learning environment (physical and virtual) Advisory role towards schools on the subject of educational programs

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Organizational consequences Position: from side-line to center Role information specialist comparable to educational officer Library merged into Learning and Innovation Centre

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Partner to education Strong contacts with school faculty Working-relations between Learning Centre and schools must be built and maintained a new function : Information Specialist

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference The New Way Contact persons for each school A pro-active approach Subject-teams Cooperation with educational officers User research and feedback groups

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Information specialist Advise schools Build and maintain relevant networks Collection profiles and collection evaluations Presentation and promotion Xplora Instructions

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Consequences for Xplora Staff Relationship to student changes Relationship to teacher changes Different competences Special Staff training programme

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Learning Centre Staff New job descriptions set up with team members (2005) Reorganization (July/October 2005) Board approves of staff formation plan (September 2005)  New job descriptions  Increase of staff in 2006/2007 of 18 fte’s (35 fte’s  53 fte’s) (opening Xplora’s in 2006 and 2007) Training program for all staff (November 2005-today)

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Near Future Further improving Xplora’s buildings Expansion Xplora Den Bosch New “Technical” Xplora in Breda KPI and Activity Based Costing

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Conclusions (1): Student surveys :  responses For group work and pc-applications High occupancy rate Attractive and inviting environment High level of services High demand of teacher presence More PCs and more outlets more workspaces for quiet study

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Conclusion (2): Library merged into Learning and Innovation Centre Mutual benefit: “Library staff” have more appreciation for educational processes Educational officers have more understanding of the relationship between information and knowledge

Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Conclusion (3): General Xplora is widely known even outside the professional field Xplora is a highly successful concept (1,4 million visitors in 2009) Staff involvement and training important Continuous improvement More objective information about our own organisation

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Learning and Innovation Center June th LIBER Annual Conference Further Information: Ellen Simons Video Xplora “ Discover it yourself: T/play?format_id=6pyORf6BDHfvNVuLSXWGI4Cj&mode=url