We are very lucky at our school to have a new library with plenty of natural light and zones for different activities.
Our work table space transforms easily to accommodate groups large and small, and it is well equipped for audio/visual presentations. It has a green feature wall with some art, and we can set up a green screen film studio when required.
When I imagine possibilities for our space, I want to make activities, technology, and play more accessible and more visible to students. For example, our Lego Mindstorm robots are visible, but they are on the top shelf behind our main desk. This seemed like the natural place for them because they were visible and the location provided security. However, I think that there is a benefit to sacrificing security to ensure that they are presented in a way to make them accessible and enticing. Our robots and kits and machines need to be within reach and beside a table so a student can follow a curiosity -or a whim- and start exploring.
I am intrigued by some of the dedicated Makerspaces that I've seen in libraries, and I would like to create a space dedicated to curiosity and exploration so that technology -new and old- is not just something that students see but something that they grab.
Hi Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of sacrificing security to inspire curiosity and creativity. It's pretty neat to see what happens when students are given the opportunity to explore without restrictions. I'd imagine you'd have to setup some basic rules and guidelines to ensure the equipment is respected and taken care of.
I like the idea of having zones for different spaces. I'm starting to feel like I need to visit different school libraries to see all the things that can be done.