3:00-3:30 Building a Learning Centered Classroom (Emily Swanson)
The Westminster College Library classroom was designed in 1997. On the original building plans, it was called the "computer classroom"; representative of the bibliographic, lecture-based instruction of the time. In 2014, we applied for and were rewarded a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Utah State Library Division, Department of Heritage and Arts, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to re-design the classroom. Our goal was to make a learning-centered classroom. We removed PCs to accommodate student's personal laptops. We added displays and used technology that allows us to un-tether from the podium computer. We bought modular tables that encourage group work and class discussions. We were collaborative in the redesign process. We worked with IT, we surveyed students, and we partnered with an environmental psychology class to assess the design. I will discuss: the process, the learning centered design, and the changes to our instruction.
3:30-4:00 OER and Digital Composition: An Instructor and Librarian's Perspective on Student Engagement and Faculty Support (Cayce Van Horn)
Open Educational Resources (OER) provide a unique opportunity to break cost barriers and engage e-learning students with relevant, freely available texts. As both an English instructor and an instruction librarian, I have drawn upon my combined experiences in e-learning, information literacy instruction, and English education to evaluate available OER, select the most engaging materials, and build a composition course that challenges students to question the open education movement. Learn how libraries can support innovative technologies, enhance online learning, and foster the adoption of OER by locating relevant, engaging, accessible materials and supporting faculty involvement with freely available resources.
