Call for Proposals - 5th Canadian Learning Commons Conference
A Journey in Progress: Been there! Done that! What's next!
The Queen's Learning Commons invites submissions for its program for the 5th Canadian Learning Commons Conference, June 16-18, 2010 to be held at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario.
In 2003, Scott Bennett of Yale University suggested that one of the core activities of a learning commons is to support "collaborative learning by which students turn information into knowledge and sometimes into wisdom." ( www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub122/pub122web.pdf,6)
In the seven years since Bennett made that statement, many changes have taken place:
* new methods of communicating
* new models of discovery and research
* new standards of accountability for colleges and universities including skills-based outcomes
* changes in teaching methodologies such as inquiry-based learning
* changes in the way course material is delivered
* changes in the way students learn and think
* financial constraints
Where does all this leave the learning commons and what does it mean for strategic positioning for the future? Is it still our role to support? What does it take to help the current generation of students turn information into knowledge? How will we get there? Can we take the lead?
We welcome submissions that take either a broad or a specific approach to these questions. Share your innovative ideas for providing services, programs, study and collaborative learning spaces; approaches to long-term planning; ideas for dealing with the current financial constraints; new collaborations.
Proposals will be accepted for presentations (20 minutes for presentations + 10 minutes for questions) and posters. Ten posters will be selected for five-minute presentations during a one-hour session. Deadline for submission of proposals is Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Please include a title, an abstract (no more than 250 words for presentations and 100 words for posters), biographical information of presenter(s) and send to CLCC5@queensu.ca . Successful proposals will be identified by Friday, January 15, 2010.
Presenters are expected to attend the 5th Canadian Learning Commons Conference and all fees are their responsibility, including registration, travel, accommodation, etc. For additional information, please contact Nathalie Soini (soinin@queensu.ca), Learning Commons Coordinator.
Kingston, Ontario is a world heritage destination in the heart of the 1000 Islands, rich in history, culture, critically acclaimed attractions and cuisine. Come for the conference, stay for awhile!
