Learning Circles: A New Model for Educational Programming
1/22/2019 
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU) has been working with public libraries to develop an equitable and innovative model of education called learning circles: free study groups for people who want to take online courses together and in-person at their local library. Globally, 30 public library systems are now running learning circles as a regular part of their educational programming including libraries in Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Nairobi, and in Canada, P2PU is working with the Toronto Public Library and West Vancouver Public Library. During this presentation, you will be introduced to strategies, free tools, and the global network, that transforms static, online courses into engaging and transformative community learning experiences.
Toronto Public Library will  also share their experience of pairing learning circles with their Let's Learn Tech project that offers free interactive courses from Cisco Networking Academy which introduce learners to important technology concepts to help develop skills necessary for career advancement.

Learning Goals:

- Understand the opportunities and challenges in hosting online education at the library

- Gain insight into a program that promotes digital inclusion, digital literacy, open education, and lifelong learning

- Be ready to start a learning circle program with local patrons for free

- Be connected to an international community of librarians and educators

About the Presenters:

Nico Koenig, Community Lead for Peer 2 Peer University, coordinates and expands the Learning Circle program. He has a decade of experience in developing, coordinating and facilitating non-formal and community-based adult education curricula and projects. He lives in Ottawa and loves talking about the future of libraries. 
Larysa Isoki is a librarian at Toronto Public Library, currently working on the Let's Learn Tech project. She has a wide range of library experience ranging from children's services to community outreach and engagement, and now teaching tech. She is passionate about libraries and the critical role they play in driving access and inclusion in communities.