All the World’s a Stage for Columbia’s EdLab

Sylvie Lecherbonnier, Translated by Nina Fink Publié le
All the World’s a Stage for Columbia’s EdLab
In January 2016, the Learning Theater will be born thanks to $8 million in renovations. // ©  Edlab
The library at Columbia University’s Teachers College is home to the ten-year-old EdLab. The lab serves as both a university and community resource center and a place to pioneer innovation in education. In 2016, EdLab will expand its operations with the unveiling of its Learning Theater.

Hidden behind the old brick façade of Columbia's Gottesman Libraries lies EdLab. Founder Gary Natriello recalls, "Ten years ago, we wanted the library to be able to ride the wave of the digital revolution. EdLab was the answer."

Room to Learn

Now the library's fifth floor has a spot for every kind of student. Natriello describes the lab as "a collaborative environment where we provide the resources." It's no coincidence that EdLab is part of the teaching school.

The lab's influence extends beyond Columbia. Users include outside teachers and companies. For example, HBO partnered with EdLab to create teaching materials. Natriello says, "We held a seminar for them with educational engineers and developers from both inside and outside the school."

One Lab for All

EdLab also acts as a resource center. "We hire library staff who will contribute to EdLab," Natriello explains. The staff, like the building, has been transformed. Now researchers, event planners, developers, designers and videographers work alongside librarians.

Since it has no dedicated staff or budget, funding comes from the projects it takes on and from the library's annual budget of $5 million. For Natriello, "EdLab is a way to use the library as an innovation center." Everyone is welcome at the lab.

Digital by Design

EdLab's focus is on digital. Natriello is most proud of Vialogues. "We needed to collect videos for classes. So we built this platform where you can share and discuss them." Vialogues, which was created in 2010, provides free access to around 20,000 videos. Teachers worldwide can learn how their peers use the material in their classes.

The Teachers' Theater

In January 2016, the Learning Theater will be born thanks to $8 million in renovations. Even the lighting in this modular teaching space can be tailored to meet course needs. Natriello explains, "Often, teachers don't have room to test out new techniques. Now they do."

Naveed Husain, Teachers College CIO, is excited. "We need a place to experiment, especially since we teach teachers. We need room to evolve." One small step for teachers, one giant leap for teaching.

Read the article (in French)


Sylvie Lecherbonnier, Translated by Nina Fink | Publié le