virtual learning commons

1. An article by David Loertscher and Carol Koechlin called "The Virtual Learning Commons and School Improvement: in the October 2012 issue of the Teacher Librarian journal describes the development of a "Virtual Learning Commons"
2. These four videos describe the concept
3. A VLC template is  available here
1. This article encourages the use of Google Sites as a tool for the development of a VLC
2. These five main portals are included:
1. The Information Center
• somewhat like a traditional library home page that links users to a wide range of useful tools
• used as a "hook" to draw the user to the entire site
2. The Literacy Center 
• whole school culture is emerging around reading, writing, speaking, listening, creating, consuming, enjoying, collaborating and celebrating all things connected to literacy
• all school members are posting and responding to posts about literacy
3. The Knowledge Building Center
• the learning community - all colleagues are collaborating to create learning experiences that range from single class to multiples to global
4. The Experimental Learning Center
• the heart of the experimentation on school improvement including action research, grant projects 
• all colleagues celebrate successes and allows all to take risks
5. School Culture
• living school yearbook - home of sports videos, club activities, trips, performances, contest winners 
• THE place to check everyday to see what's going on