School-of-Thought

I came across this thoughtful reflection from Carolyn Foote, a librarian from Texas. Carolyn writies about an article in the Economist “about how people now are much more nomadic in thier use of spaces” due to things like “Wi-fi, mobility, and portability.”   This allows people the increased ability “to connect whenever they go in nooks and crannies” and other indoor and outdoor spaces.

The discussion from Carolyn’s perspective of a librarian is how the design of librarry and school spaces can facilitate learning and take advantage of the “nomadic” use of space.

The concept is fascinating to think about from the perspective of a school board member — because part of our duties of course include the construction of school buildings.

Perhaps equally important as the design of new space is how current space is used. At this week’s school board meeting we heard from teachers and administrators involved with development of the new alternative education plan for the middle school and high school. A component of the plan is to create warm and unique learning environments in each building.

Due to our 1:1 laptop program we already have wireless internet set up — students can connect via laptop anywhere in the high school. It will be interesting to see what these new alternative ed spaces will end up looking like.  I’m imagining it’s going to be different than the traditional desks-in-a-straight-row type classroom.