Students as Co-designers of a Virtual Learning Commons: Results of a Collaborative Action Research Study

In order to meet the 21st century students' learning styles and expectations, as well as keep up with technological advancements, many academic libraries are creating virtual learning commons. This paper reports on phase 1 of a larger project that aimed at investigating the design of 21st century physical and virtual learning commons in the library at a higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates. Using a collaborative action research, project participants explored the design and implementation of a virtual learning commons to support learning activities. Two action research cycles were implemented where students acted as co-designers. Multiple methods of data collection were adopted. Based on outcomes, a blog space was created to facilitate discussions of readings. This study contributes with a practical example of how student voices and preferences can influence the design of a virtual learning commons. Phase 1 also worked as a catalyst to further the discussion of the larger virtual learning commons in academic libraries. The paper also discusses several recommendations for future improvements.