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The concept of the Modern Learning Environment (MLE), now also known as Innovative Learning Environment (ILE) is an holistic one, encompassing the pedagogy of learning to the physical and virtual spaces in which it occurs. The New Zealand Ministry of Education offers information on MLEs for the modern library - requiring a learner-centred approach to time, place, access and support - and the networked connectedness of people and technologies that underpin this.

Carolyn Foote examines her own practice and the need accept that there are highs and lows in different aspects of your TL practice

Laura Devaney from eSchool News talks about a new study on the future of STEM education and the 6 components that will make it shine. This post provides a summary coverage. These components easily align with a forward, future focused innovative library and could be harnessed to promote and advocate for vibrant and purposeful learning spaces.

Article by Terri Hayes, 2014. Abstract: The old-fashioned library model is no longer healthy for teachers or students. Converting your school library to a learning commons is one of the best recipes for school success in the current climate of educational reform. The library-as-learning commons functions as the hub of the school, where teachers and students collaborate, inquiry-based learning is promoted, and teacher-librarians provide instructional support to every teacher in the school while fostering a thriving reading culture.

Far too much of education revels in knowing rather than not knowing. Sitting fastidiously in a place of not knowing is one of the hardest, most rigorous, parts of learning. But this is rigor of a different color. Learning is not something we can script in advance. Syllabi should be living documents, co-created with students. Full of possible paths. Not a barrel of predetermined outcomes, carefully crafted to be specific, measurable, loved by our accrediting bodies. Outcomes, and rubrics or assessments we design, should be wild-eyed and tentative. Assessment as an act of agency, a learning activity in and of itself not something delivered ex post facto by an external authority.

Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In libraries they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more. Here are some excellent resources for anyone thinking about setting up a makerspace in their organization.

We asked the world's most innovative companies in education to school us on the future of the classroom, with predictions for the next five years. Points explore: Students will interact with others remotely, Success of tech will still rely on skilled teachers, We'll think differently about diplomas, Students will have a voice and Educators and institutions will be forced to adapt.

Personalized learning is steadily revolutionizing teaching and learning, both during the school day and the time students spend outside of the classroom. The proliferation of quality digital tools and platforms that facilitate exciting new ways for students to learn-such as through self-guided or blended learning-has dramatically expanded the possibilities for where and when students can access educational content and what they can do with it.

Have you ever felt like you're talking, but nobody is listening? Here's Julian Treasure to help. In this useful talk, the sound expert demonstrates the how-to's of powerful speaking - from some handy vocal exercises to tips on how to speak with empathy. A talk that might help the world sound more beautiful.

A framework that has implications for the practices of professional development acknowledges that learning brings change, and supporting people in change is critical for learning to "take hold." The model holds that people considering and experiencing change evolve in the kinds of questions they ask and in their use of whatever the change is.

Libraries are reinventing themselves as content becomes more accessible online and their role becomes less about housing tomes and more about connecting learners and constructing knowledge.

This article is a thoughtful and insightful examination of the philosophy and pedagogical underpinnings of the maker movement. The authors' analysis and argument are strong, and the benefits they tout are inspiring.

Expect More: Demanding Better Libraries For Today's Complex World, David Lankes walks you through what to expect out of your library. Lankes argues that, to thrive, communities need libraries that go beyond bricks and mortar, and beyond books and literature. We need to expect more out of our libraries. They should be places of learning and advocates for our communities in terms of privacy, intellectual property, and economic development. The book is now available as a free download from this web address.

A heartfelt letter to a new principal that expresses a number of effective leadership strategies that can be employed when starting at a new school.

A curated collection of resources on educational leadership via The Advocate.

Eric Sheninger outlines the importance of technology integration to focus on learning and the critical need for sound pedagogy to inform implementation.

Surrounded by collaborative furniture, writable surfaces and interactive flat panels, five experts extolled the virtues of flexible and agile learning spaces at a panel discussion - summary of key points.

Summary article with first look at coming trends like deeper learning approaches and potentials challenges to their adoption.