Learning Commons & Student Commons

Learning Commons

Commons are shared spaces. Learning Commons are places where students can discuss, seek knowledge, and work together. Learning Commons were set up in the Main Library on the Toyonaka campus and in the Science and Engineering Library on the Suita campus in the spring of 2009.

Unlike conventional libraries where talking in voices louder than a whisper is frowned upon, Learning Commons are library spaces where active discussions are possible. They are situated in libraries where a variety of information has been collected so students can use abundant reference materials when working together. Housed in these libraries are not only paper materials, but also cyber-electronic materials such as electronic journals which can be used via a wireless LAN. The commons are also furnished with tables and chairs so students can enjoy discussions in big or small groups. Whiteboards are also available for use. Moreover, in addition to students' own laptops, students can use computers, projectors, and printers installed in the commons.

Each of the commons has one of the in-house networked 105-inch video screens known as O+PUS.  O+PUS provides a variety of visual information about the university. In order to support students-led activities, teaching assistants and professional library staff are stationed at each commons and are available for consultation. On the upper floors of the Learning Commons, there is a silent zone where one can read quietly. A media zone is also available there with information terminals. In these ways, Learning Commons realize and support a educational flow shifting from one-way instruction from teachers to student active learning.

Student Commons

Student Commons are spaces for students, located relatively near the Learning Commons. They were set up on the first and second floors of the Education and Research Building in the Institute for Higher Education Research and Practice in November 2009. Student Commons are places of active learning for students such as presentations or extracurricular activities and also spaces for facilitating exchange among students, international students, faculty, and staff members.

Student Commons have a cafe zone, an information zone, and a self-learning zone. A wireless LAN is available in all zones and an Information Technology Support Center is located there as well. Unlike other spaces in the libraries, students may eat in the Student Commons. O+PUS is also installed in these areas, providing a variety of visual information on the university.

On the first floor of Student Commons is an open-style Seminar Room. By removing partitions and using the outer garden, the Seminar Room can be used for open-style classes or other events requiring a large screen and projector.

The entire wall of Matching-style Seminar Room on the 2nd floor is a whiteboard.  Computers and scanners are also available for use. Additional seminar rooms can be set up for classes and meetings regardless of size through the use of partitions.

Finally, on upper floors of Student Commons are various facilities for general education such as the Institute for Higher Education Research and Practice, the Center for the Study of Communication-Design (CSCD), the Global Collaboration Center (GLOCOL), the Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Education, and the Center for International Education and Exchange.