Overview
An important consideration for academic time-on-task is the “where” of the learning. The Learning Commons offers students several space options all in one place, and all designed with collaborative learning in mind. Whether reserving a space ahead of time or arriving with a group of classmates, students can find a place to work actively together with moveable furniture, whiteboards, and projection screens.
Computing resources are an important part of the Learning Commons, as students need access to the technology tools for completing their learning tasks. In addition to computers, workstations, and printers, Learning Commons staff can provide assistance with how to navigate USM’s most commonly-used technologies.
On the Portland campus, the Learning Commons location is the second floor of the Glickman Library. On the Gorham campus, the Learning Commons is located on the first floor of the Bailey Hall Library.
Study Spaces
Group Study Rooms
There are several group study rooms throughout USM Libraries, and the majority reside in the Learning Commons. The rooms accommodate between 6-8 students, with whiteboards and markers provided as well as projection screens for ease of collaboration when the content is on a laptop or other device. The enclosed space also allows a group of students to virtually include others in their collaborative work via Zoom or other digital platforms.
The rooms can be accessed on a walk-in basis, although students are encouraged to reserve a room ahead of time since demand can be high. Reservations are made online for up to a three-hour time period, and up to three weeks in advance.
Study Pods
Study pods provide space for two students to work side by side. Each of the three seating areas within a pod offers a personal LED light, a power outlet, and side screens for visual separation from the other seating areas.
Whiteboard Zones
A whiteboard can be a very effective tool for explaining concepts to others, practicing equations, drawing mind maps, or creating other visual aids for self-testing and sharing ideas. There are whiteboards throughout the Learning Commons, including specific whiteboards “zones”. These zones center around extra large whiteboards, both wall mounted and on wheels, ideal for having more than one student participate simultaneously in the active learning process. Students frequently take pictures of what they produced on the whiteboard to use as a self-designed, spaced-practice study guide.
Flexible Spaces
In addition to the group study rooms, study pods, and whiteboard zones, the Learning Commons is filled with moveable tables and chairs, rolling whiteboards, and comfortable seating options. The Learning Commons was designed with flexibility in mind, and students are encouraged to “make the space their own” based on the size of the group or the nature of the task.
Service Desk
The service desk at The Learning Commons provides assistance with scheduling peer academic support appointments, locating library resources, reserving group study rooms, and navigating on-campus printing and computing. This support is available on a walk-in basis, and students can also call for live assistance during business hours.
Computers and Printing
Desktop Computers
There are multiple computer stations at each of the Learning Commons locations, with both Mac and PC desktop computers available. Since the Learning Commons is designed as a collaborative learning environment, students can sit side by side to work together at the computer. All of the computers are networked to the local printers, copiers, and scanners, and are updated with all of the approved software programs for university use. If looking for a space that offers quiet computer use, students can be directed to other library spaces or nearby computer labs.
Laptop Stations
Many students bring their own laptops to the Learning Commons for use in their collaborative learning efforts. There are several tables and other surfaces in proximity to power outlets, serving as laptop stations for this work.
Projection Monitors
Many students find it helpful to the learning task to share content with others from a laptop or other device. To assist with this collaboration, there are projection screens in the group study rooms with cables supporting most devices. The enclosed space of the study room also allows a group of students to virtually include others in their collaborative work via Zoom or other digital platforms.
Printing, Copying, and Scanning
The Learning Commons is one of the campus locations with both color and black and white printers and copiers. There are also scanners for ease of making an electronic copy of a larger document or item. All of the printers, copiers, and scanners are networked to the desktop computers in the Learning Commons. Students can also access these options wirelessly via their own laptop or other device. Printing of documents is charged at a per-page price to the student’s USM Card.
Technology Coaching
The Learning Commons staff can offer guidance for using the available computing resources. The Portland location of the Learning Commons is located one floor below the USM Help Desk, with trained IT staff who can assist students with issues related to internet connectivity, access to MaineStreet or Brightspace, or downloading software. Students may also schedule an appointment with a peer Technology Coach for 1:1 help with learning the most common softwares used across the coursework at USM such as Brightspace, Google Workspace, Office 365, and more!