What, Exactly, is a Learning Lab?
Submitted by Cheryl Lovstrom, Central RSS
It's a what, now??
Learning Labs have been happening at CLN for some time. CLN and CALP staff meet regularly to share questions and learn more about CALP issues (until now, the database).
I know you’ve seen them on the training calendar. And I can hear you now, saying, “What, exactly is a learning lab? And what on earth does it have to do with me?”. Those are two great questions!
Not just lab coats and test tubes
A Learning Lab conjures up images of lab coats and test tubes for me. But, even though I may feel a little like a mad scientist some days, that is not what they’re about. Learning Labs (the CLN version, at least) are about connections. CLN staff with knowledge in a topic area host a gathering of interested minds. Labs are very casual and last no more than 90 minutes.
They are come-and-go in nature, which means participants can pop in for a few minutes, or stay for the whole session. Once your question is answered, you can get on with your day or stay to hear what else is on people’s minds. It’s up to you.
Learning Labs have one goal: to answer your questions. Come with a question or two (or maybe three), and learn along with your peers in a low-stakes gathering of colleagues. Some participants don’t have any questions when they come, but may experience a “yes, and…” moment while they’re there. This is what makes Learning Labs so appealing; no prep for the host, and no pressure for participants. It’s a great way to explore a potential training without committing to the whole shebang up front.
Connect in Community
Learning Labs are a great tool in community as well. Learners can come in and explore options before committing to that big, scary class. Or they can get their feet wet a little at a time by coming to multiple labs with a different focus.
Stepping into learning in little bites can be very appealing to someone whose favourite setting was not the classroom. “Smart Phone Learning Lab”, “AI Learning Lab”, “Digital Seniors Learning Lab”, the possibilities are endless.
And speaking of endless possibilities, check out these upcoming learning labs from CLN:
AI Learning Lab – Tuesday, September 15th from 9:30-10:30 am
Database Learning Lab – Wednesday, September 23rd from 10:00-11:30 am
