What is the EdHub? A 21st century learning commons

Posted by: Megan Enger

APA Citation: 

Boss, S. (2017, December 7). A small town school embraces a big vision. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/small-town-school-embraces-big-vision/

Summary: This Edutopia resource explains how Superintendent Buddy Barry transformed a high school with declining enrollment in Eminence, Kentucky: by identifying the needs of a 21st century learner, he helped create the “EdHub” and transform not only enrollment numbers but the whole community. A nickel tax raised $6 million dollars and renovated the entire building to look more like Google’s headquarters than a traditional high school. Materials for student checkouts still include books, but also power tools and robotics equipment. There are eight makerspaces and opportunities for dual enrollment through the local community college. This article also includes three embedded videos showing the EdHub in action and with testimonials from students, teachers, and administrators; one video gives an overview of the space, another focuses on the Early College Program, and another showcases a hands-on learning project.

Evaluation: This article is a fantastic starting place for those interested in learning about the EdHub. It comes from a reputable source and succinctly explains how Buddy Barry accomplished such a transformation. The videos are a nice bonus that clearly illustrate the community impact. Even schools with small footprints and smaller budgets will be inspired by the EdHub–it asks us all to reconsider how the library can still be the hub of the school and envisions a 21st century learning commons to best serve student needs. Those wanting to learn more about the EdHub should check out their website, especially for Eminence’s mini-credential program that is structured like merit badges (earned when students demonstrate competency in things like 3D printing and stop motion). Additionally, Dr. Loertscher interviewed the EdHub’s librarian and an ELA teacher turned “integration specialist” who speak to the value of having a dedicated staff supporting this community.

Getting Started with AR/VR Mixed Reality

Ishizuka, K. (2019). Get Started With AR/VR/Mixed Reality. SLJ Webcasts.

    Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/?subpage=Events&eventtype=webcasts

In this fifty minute webcast, AR/VR Mixed Reality tools, resources, digital forums, and curriculum-aligned lessons are discussed.

AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) is a not-so-new tool that is increasingly gaining steam in the educational setting. With the introduction of affordable tools and curriculum aligned content, libraries are becoming the hub for offering AR/VR. One of the speakers, Aditya Vishwanath, Ph.D student at Stanford University, has found that with AR/VR student engagement is increasing in content-related lessons. Through VR/AR students are asking higher level questions that focus on the "why" instead of the "how." With inquiry-based learning and increased critical thinking, students are gaining knowledge and experiencing content while immersing themselves in the curriculum. AR/VR is a resource that will expand collections, make connections, and open doors for people to experience the world through their school or public library.

How a Connecticut library became a community STEM hub

Lopez, Carrie

Rodgers, L. (9 March 2018). “How a Connecticut library became a community STEM hub” School Library Journal. Retrieved from:

https://www.slj.com/2018/03/technology/connecticut-library-became-community-stem-hub/

Inspirational article about a community library tapping into local schools and making connections with teachers and thus families. Perhaps a high school library could do something similar with a “family literacy night” using high school volunteers and bring in students and families from area feeder schools for books, classes, reading, cool activities.

Making Friends and BUYING ROBOTS.

Tipton, Katy

Kvenild, C. c., Shepherd, C. c., Smith, S. s., & Thielk, E. e. (2017). Making Friends and BUYING ROBOTS. Knowledge Quest, 45(3), 62-69.

This article is about a school library system navigating the pitfalls and ultimate success of integrating robot building kits into their maker space.

This is a very detailed read - almost a how-to step-by-step. It's fascinating to follow the librarian's, teacher's, and student's progress as they figure out how to best supply and execute the program. Great information for those of you planning to implement something like this in your own school library. Plus, ROBOTS!!!!😁

LITA Members Talk Trends

Brandes-Miesner, Marta

Enis, M. (2015). LITA members talk trends. Library Journal. Retrieved from http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2015/02/shows-events/ala/lita-members-talk-tech-trends-ala-midwinter-2015/
Summary:
At the Mid-Winter ALA conference, the author discusses the idea that there is a growing gulf between the "haves" and "have-nots" in the library world. This is believed to be due to the fact that many contemporary technology tools are not within the budgets of underfunded libraries.  This creates a disparity between the technology being used in wealthier areas and a lack of technology for use by patrons in less lower-socioeconomic areas. There are recommended solutions such as coding classes for girls and more open-access publishing. The overall situation of this discrepancy is seems to be improving some-what but it is still a growing trend.
Evaluation:
This is a valuable article. After discussing the issues between these groups, many suggestions are offered. Ideas such as Inclusive/Universal Design buildings (wi-fi built in) is the first of many ideas put forth. Additional ways of closing the gaps are through "meaningful gamification", open access to scholarly information, and more STEM outreach for girls and more subscriptions surrounding technology.