SPEC Kit 339: Innovation and R&D · 127
VIRGINIA TECH
New Learning Initiative
https://docs.google.com/a/arl.org/file/d/0B0fU_B0HbCf_V3lReHdzQTNLRkU/edit?usp=sharing
Prospectus 8.24.2012 v3
1
Virginia Tech University Libraries
NEW LEARNING INITIATIVE
The New Learning Initiative serves as a platform for expanding the library’s role and degree of
engagement at Virginia Tech. Combining talents, interests, and expertise within the library and
around campus, the initiative is a project-based engine of experimentation, idea incubation,
and educational entrepreneurialism. It seeks to harness the “pioneering spirit” and apply it
across the larger learning landscape by using a discovery-oriented approach.
APPROACH
The initiative operates as both an R&D lab, gathering, synthesizing and testing new concepts,
as well as a strike force, implementing, supporting, and assessing pedagogical ventures.
AIM
The heart of this effort is immersion. Initiative members interact closely with faculty, advisors,
students, support agencies, and administrators to be a part of the total learning process. This
360-degree view is invaluable for uncovering new strategic opportunities, and also strengthens
the position of the library as a campus leader and collaborator. The initiative propels a
conceptual shift toward partner-contributor model.
AUGMENTATION
The initiative builds upon the foundation of Research and Instructional Services and the work
of other departments, by amplifying the library’s reach. This effort serves as an interface and
connector to the campus-wide teaching and learning enterprise with an emphasis on
integrative learning, transdisciplinary opportunities, and deep engagement.
APPLICATION
Initiative members work with instructors and others on implementing experimental learning,
applying new pedagogies, designing academic experiences and encounters, developing
learning environments, and employing new technologies and literacies. Other objectives
include developing programs that facilitate skill building, co-creation of knowledge, intellectual
tinkering, perception shifting, social reading, and digital citizenship.
ALLIES
Partnerships are key to the initiative’s success. The primary channel is the realigned Center
for Innovation in Learning, which consists of partnership between Learning Technologies,
Graduate School, Undergraduate Education, and the University Libraries. Additional
collaborators include CIDER, campus-wide support agencies (Writing Center, CommLab,
Innovation Space, etc), student government, student organizations, and various Virginia Tech
centers, institutes, offices, academies, and initiatives.
ACTIVATION
Membership resembles a faculty fellowship model with self-directed independence framed
around an active community of practice. Efforts ebb-and-flow during the semester depending
on volunteer availability and project opportunity. Participants have the freedom to engage their
interests entrepreneurially, but are also expected to undertake specific endeavors ranging from
hands-on support and co-instruction to knowledge building, proposal writing, and visioning.
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