The Learning Commons - UMass Amherst Provost's Office

Provost's Office > The Learning Commons

We introduced the Learning Commons to the campus on Tuesday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Massachusetts Room of the Mullins Center.

The Learning Commons is envisioned as a vibrant open studio environment with seamless, coordinated resources and services--a place where students will be able to access the library’s extensive print and electronic collections; utilize state-of-the-art technology for research and coursework; meet with faculty and fellow students in comfortable, inviting breakout rooms; and receive support from experts in research, technology, writing, and the disciplines. The Commons will encourage engagement with information in its various forms, reinforce the value of collaborative inquiry, and create new opportunities for community interaction.

The Commons is part of a renovation and transformation of the main floor of the W.E.B. DuBois Library. Reconstruction of the exterior shell is scheduled to begin June 1, and the interior work will follow soon thereafter.

Provost Charlena Seymour welcomed the audience.

Glenn Caffery, Chair of the Information Technology program, gave an overview on what we have envisioned to date for our Learning Commons here at UMass.

Joan Lippincott, Associate Executive Director of the Coalition for Networked Information and an authority on modern learning environments gave an overview of successful efforts at other institutions.

Michael Williams, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Director of the Math Emporium at Virginia Tech, shared his department’s innovative approach to support student learning.

A one page description of the Learning Commons is also available.

If you were unable to attend, but would like to be involved in the planning process, contact Kathy Godek.

Master List of Services, Technology, and Social Environment Features (PDF - 62K)

Summary of Student Focus Groups (PDF - 81K)

		The Learning Commons
		Provost's Office > The Learning Commons We introduced the Learning Commons to the campus on Tuesday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Massachusetts Room of the Mullins Center. The Learning Commons is envisioned as a vibrant open studio environment with seamless, coordinated resources and services--a place where students will be able to access the library’s extensive print and electronic collections; utilize state-of-the-art technology for research and coursework; meet with faculty and fellow students in comfortable, inviting breakout rooms; and receive support from experts in research, technology, writing, and the disciplines. The Commons will encourage engagement with information in its various forms, reinforce the value of collaborative inquiry, and create new opportunities for community interaction. The Commons is part of a renovation and transformation of the main floor of the W.E.B. DuBois Library. Reconstruction of the exterior shell is scheduled to begin June 1, and the interior work will follow soon thereafter. Provost Charlena Seymour welcomed the audience. Glenn Caffery, Chair of the Information Technology program, gave an overview on what we have envisioned to date for our Learning Commons here at UMass. Joan Lippincott, Associate Executive Director of the Coalition for Networked Information and an authority on modern learning environments gave an overview of successful efforts at other institutions. Michael Williams, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Director of the Math Emporium at Virginia Tech, shared his department’s innovative approach to support student learning. A one page description of the Learning Commons is also available. If you were unable to attend, but would like to be involved in the planning process, contact Kathy Godek. Master List of Services, Technology, and Social Environment Features (PDF - 62K) Summary of Student Focus Groups (PDF - 81K)
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