by Maggie Snow
Quick Summary
The Minnesota Learning Commons (MNLC) is a joint powers partnership between the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), University of Minnesota, and Minnesota State. The mission of the MNLC is to support educators teaching in online, blended, and digital learning environments.
The Minnesota Learning Commons (MNLC) is a joint powers partnership between the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), University of Minnesota, and Minnesota State.
The mission of the MNLC is to support educators teaching in online, blended, and digital learning environments. The MNLC executes its mission through three primary focus areas. The focus areas are professional learning, collaborative projects, and advocacy for effective digital learning policy and practice. The MNLC is committed to advancing racial justice, equity and inclusion in online and digital learning as a core component of this mission.
For the 2021-22 academic year, the Minnesota Learning Commons partners are studying the The 60-Year Curriculum: New Models for Lifelong Learning in the Digital Economy, a series of ideas on adult lifelong learning, and possibilities of implementing it in Minnesota's education systems. MNLC Coordinating Committee hosted Chris Dede and John Richards, editors of the book, in September. You can view a recording of the discussion here.
How can I get involved with the Minnesota Learning Commons?
We are seeking individuals who work as faculty, instructors, administrators, or practitioners in Minnesota’s higher education and K-12 education systems who are interested in issues pertaining to digital learning. There are three ways to engage with the Minnesota Learning Commons.
- MNLC Coordinating Committee. The MNLC Coordinating Committee meets monthly on the first Thursday from 2:30 - 4:00 PM. The Coordinating Committee is composed of representatives from each of the partner organizations and practitioners from the field of education in Minnesota’s K-12 and higher education systems. The Coordinating Committee contributes expertise and direction to collaborative projects and discussions that benefit all the partners and systems. If you are interested in being a member of the MNLC Coordinating Committee, please complete this form.
- MNLC Special Interest Groups. The MNLC has three active Special Interest Groups (SIGs) devoted to specific topics of interest in three main categories: Faculty Development and Quality of Online Courses, Innovation, and Open Education Resources (OER). The SIGs meet monthly on a schedule set by the group during their first meeting of the academic year. If you are interested in participating in a MNLC SIG, please complete this form.
- The MNLC also conducts a monthly webinar series with topics of interest from experts in Minnesota’s education system. Webinars are typically held on the third Thursday of each month from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the webinar series, please complete this form.
More information is available on the MNLC website.
You are also welcome to reach out to Maggie Snow or any of the MNLC partner representatives with questions or to talk about opportunities to join in the work of the MNLC.
Partner Representatives
Kim Lynch, Minnesota State
Email: kim.lynch@minnstate.edu
Bob Rubinyi, University of Minnesota
Email: rmr@umn.edu
Jeff Plaman, Minnesota Department of Education
Email: jeff.plaman@state.mn.us
Mary Mehsikomer, Sourcewell Technology
Email: mary.mehsikomer@sourcewelltech.org
