Due to space constraints, elementary schools struggle to create these same collaborative learning commons as lack of physical space prevents the growth of collaborative learning commons for students. Some elementary buildings have dedicated computer labs while others work from mobile carts. Library Media Centers (LMC's) are working to integrate MakerSpaces, allowing students to tinker, explore, discover, and create. Students can choose to problem-solve and work together or work independently.

The MakerSpace movement provides hands-on, creative activities to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent. Industry leaders and higher education centers are among groups supporting K-12 education and community groups with resources and technology to create MakerSpaces. MakerSpaces provide opportunities for young learners to develop confidence, creativity, and spark an interest in science, technology, engineering, math, the arts, and learning as a whole through "making."

Time

Currently, ILTSs at both middle schools and Neenah High School operate with a “flexible” schedule. Even though the American Library Association/American Association of School Librarians has stated the position that “classes need to be flexibly scheduled into the library on an as needed basis,” (2011), most NJSD elementary school libraries, as well as Washington Center for Early Learning, are using a “fixed” schedule model.

As our Leadership team looked at this focus area, it was evident that this is an area of growth and opportunity. To infuse flexible learning anytime, anywhere, NJSD is striving to provide equal access to course content online, digital or blended learning environments, or face-to-face experiences.

Implementing

As instructional Library Technology Specialists (ILTSs) continue to phase in more digital culture over the next three years, there will be a focus on creating increased opportunities for students to engage in anytime, anywhere learning. This includes personalized learning spaces and scheduling for blended and personalized learning. It is the goal, as experts in the curation of print and digital resources, for ILTSs to design and implement authentic classroom and library instruction, which impact teaching and learning by developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and technology integration that enhance literacy, lifelong learning, and global citizenship.

Focus Area: 3-Year Action Steps

21st Century Skills/Deeper Learning

• Integrate the new International Society of Technology Education’s (ISTE) standards for Administration, Teachers, and Students.
• Increase MakerSpace concept and flexible learning spaces in classrooms and libraries.

Flexible Learning Anytime, Anywhere

• Develop dedicated collaborative learning commons at the elementary levels.
• Continue to offer options for students who do not have internet access at home through district-provided devices.
• Encourage all building administrators/teachers/families to allow devices to go home to allow for anytime, anywhere learning.

New Pedagogy, Schedules, and Learning Environments for Personalized Learning

• NJSD will implement best practice of flexible scheduling for library media in grades 1-12.
• ILTSs to participate in content and grade-level meetings for collaboration and coaching opportunities.
• Implement a district vision and plan to integrate personalized learning in the next iteration of the 11 strategic frameworks.
• ILTSs will collaborate with Instructional Technology Coaches, Technology Mentors, and building administrators in buildings they are assigned to, to support professional learning for teachers related to use of digital tools and resources to personalize learning.

Collaborative, Relevant, and Applied Learning

• Explore project-based learning opportunities tied to curricular content.
• Increase student awareness and build skills in digital citizenship, such as:
  • Internet safety
  • Digital footprint
  • Security and privacy
  • Creative credit and copyright
  • Information literacy
• Explore coursework opportunities, such as:
  • STEM coursework
  • Project Based Learning
  • Computer Science

Strategies for Providing Extended Time for Projects and Collaboration

• Explore opportunities to extend learning across classrooms, school, and home.
• Implement flexible scheduling with LMC spaces and ILTSs at the elementary level.
• Increase collaboration time between ILTS and grade-alikes.
• Continue collaborative time with ILTS at secondary levels.
• Collaborate with Curriculum and Instruction Coordinators to build digital resources.

Personalized Professional Learning

• Build skills and coaching capacity with ITLSs at all schools.
• Continue to position Instructional Library Technology Specialists as a site-based information and instructional technology coach.

The school ILTS will:

• Participate in ongoing district professional learning.
• Collaborate with teachers to provide a school-wide perspective and expertise in digital/information literacy curriculum, standards, and student outcomes.
• Co-teach and co-plan lessons around digital implementation and provide instructional technology coaching.
• Help teachers and students become literate in both print and digital resources, as well as ethical and safe digital citizens.

Resource: Madison Tech Plan