from a vision on learning and teaching towards an integrated learning-environment

June 29 2010 39th LIBER Annual Conference

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The New Learning Environment:

impact on staff and students

Ellen SimonsLearning and Innovation Center

Avans University of Applied Sciences

Learning and Innovation Center

June 29 201039th LIBER Annual Conference

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Avans University of Applied Sciences

• 3 locations• 24.000 students• 60 bachelor programs• 7 master programs• 19 schools• 1 Learning and

Innovation Center• 4 support units• 2.000 staff



Traditional education



Modern education



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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



Consequences for Library

• Adequate resources

• Library Staff takes part in educational process

• Library must change into a rich learning environment



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

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From library to

The New Learning Environment



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Positioning of the Learning Centre

• Just a facility or a key element in the institution’s vision on teaching and learning?



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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



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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



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



Organizational consequences

• Position: from side-line to center

• Role information specialist comparable to educational policy advisors

• Library merged into Learning and Innovation Centre



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



The New Way

• Contact persons for each school

• A pro-active approach

• Subject-teams

• Cooperation with educational officers

• User research and feedback groups



Information specialist

• Advise schools

• Build and maintain relevant networks

• Collection profiles and collection evaluations

• Presentation and promotion Xplora

• Instructions



Consequences for Xplora Staff

• Relationship to student changes

• Relationship to teacher changes

• Different competences

• Special Staff training programme



Learning Centre Staff 2005-2009

• New job descriptions set up with team members (2005)

• Reorganization (July/October 2005)

• Board approves of staff formation plan 2005-2008 (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)



Near Future 2010-2012

• Further improving Xplora’s buildings

• Expansion Xplora Den Bosch

• New “Technical” Xplora in Breda

• KPI and Activity Based Costing



Conclusions (1):Student surveys 2008-2010:

8.000 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



Conclusion (2): Library merged into Learning and Innovation Centre

Mutual benefit:

• “Library staff” have more appreciation for educational processes

• Educational policy advisors have more understanding of the relationship between information and knowledge



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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Further Information:

• Ellen Simons

• E-mail: [email protected]

• Video Xplora “ Discover it yourself:

http://www.surfmedia.nl/app/video/QV1wz15xVfVrqwzfstEEcDNT/play?format_id=6pyORf6BDHfvNVuLSXWGI4Cj&mode=url