Winning “The Rudy”

Last night I had the honor to accept the McMaster Student Union’s Rudy Heinzl Award of Excellence on behalf of all of those involved in the development of our new Learning Commons in the Mills Library.  The award “recognizes an outstanding one year achievement which improves the lives of McMaster students”.  The Learning Commons is a joint project involving the University Library, University Technology Services, Center for Student Development and Center for Leadership in Learning.  It is especially gratifying to receive this award since it comes from the students themselves.  Congratulations to all involved!

Thode Science and Engineering Library

The Thode Library at McMaster is on the capital campaign for renovation.  Below is the first draft of our case statement for the new Learning Commons @ Thode.  I welcome comment from the community!

Learning Commons @ Thode   inquire. discover. learn

At McMaster we celebrate inquiry and discovery in all areas, but most importantly in our teaching and learning activities. The University Library recently opened the Mills Learning Commons, a vibrant, student-centred learning space that supports learning and research through the use of information resources and information technology. There has been a tremendous response to this new space, and it is exciting to see students actively engage in the learning process in new ways.

Building on the success of the Mills model, we envision the creation of a learning space that will enhance student learning as well as create new knowledge about teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  As the most innovative academic space in Canada the learning commons will bring together librarians and other teaching and learning professionals in a single facility.  The learning commons will:

• Include advanced technologies that promote exploration of immersive learning environments (ie. gaming, simulations, virtual worlds)
• Combine technology and pedagogy that make learning more interactive, leading to greater student engagement
• Include state of the art facilities and mobile furnishings supporting a myriad of learning activities.
• be a gathering place that encourages students and faculty to engage in collaborative scientific discourse
• encourage innovative and effective teaching, and active, participatory and experiential learning.
• incorporate “high tech” (supporting technology) and “high touch” (learning support)
• be a vibrant, inviting and comfortable place for individual or group study.
• put discovery at the centre of the learning experience.

The Learning Commons will be constructed on the 1^st   and 2^nd levels of the H. G. Thode Library of Science and Engineering and will feature:

§         computer workstations with a robust suite of productivity applications, multimedia applications and specialized science & engineering products such as Matlab and Maple

§         powered tables and wireless access for laptops

§         studio, modeling and workshop space (physical and virtual)

§         electronic classrooms with laptops, moveable seating, video conferencing and streaming, and other advanced learning technologies

§         collaborative study rooms for group work

§         whiteboards & interactive touch screens to promote engagement

§         expert help (research help, IT help, writing workshops, academic counselling)

§         services for students with disabilities; adaptive software & equipment

§         a café to encourage social interaction 

Construction costs are estimated at approximately $3 million. We hope you will consider designating your gift to the Learning Commons at Thode Library. Your generosity will enhance the learning experience of all McMaster students, particularly those in science and engineering, and will make a significant contribution to their academic success at McMaster and beyond.