Digital Learning Commons is described as “a state-of-the-art, multimedia collaboration center, curated around the idea of enriching the student experience and providing students access to books and library resources, digital tools, and academic support systems they need to succeed in their program of study”
The Yavapai Community College Prescott-based executives have proposed spending $15 million over the next three years to convert Building 19 on the Prescott Campus into a Digital Learning Center. The proposal came during a discussion of the 2023-24 capital budget at the March 21, 2023, meeting of the Yavapai Community College Governing Board in Sedona.
Although the Prescott-based executives shared only a draft of the budget they will ask the Board to approve in either April or May, there was no opposition to the $15 million expenditure from any member of the Board. It appears to have clear sailing.
According to the Community College, a Learning/Digital Commons is a “state-of-the-art, multimedia collaboration center, curated around the idea of enriching the student experience and providing students access to books and library resources, digital tools, and academic support systems they need to succeed in their program of study. The Facilities Master Plan identifies a series of projects to support creation of Learning/Digital Commons in Building 19 at Prescott Campus and Building M at Verde Valley Campus, which include shared space for the library, information technology support, tutoring, collaboration, content creation, meetings, socialization, and studying.”
Building 19 is one of the largest facilities on the Prescott Campus. It contains the library, Common Grounds Café, and a community room on the 1st floor. A computer commons with classrooms, laboratories and faculty offices, as well as the eSports facility is located on the 2nd floor. The space utilization analysis noted that many of the classrooms and laboratories on the 2nd floor are underutilized. The library is dated and is lacking many of the spaces and technologies found in a modern facility. The Facilities Master Plan proposes reimagining these spaces into a learning hub for students and community members on the Prescott Campus. The 18,000 NSF library on the 1st floor is proposed to be renovated into an integrated Learning/Digital Commons with some compact shelving, one-button media studio, makerspace, study rooms, and open computer laboratory. It is envisioned that Digital technologies will permeate these spaces (Area 1) and a new retractable seating system (Area 2) is proposed to be installed in the Community Meeting Room (Room 147).
Classrooms and laboratories on the 2nd floor are proposed to be re-purposed into a modern Learning Commons for tutoring and academic support with open collaboration areas, study rooms, and staff offices. Adjacencies may include a digital media studio, TELS staff offices, and a technology helpdesk, managed by ITS. Decisions regarding the final location of the Computer Networking Technology program and eSports play area will be made during the programming phase.
