New kinds of work spaces presented at the School of Education spring semester conference
Latest news about the relocation of the School of Education to Saga: the School of Education spring semester conference discussing new work spaces in Saga; a presentation of design proposals for teaching and learning spaces on 8 May; the merging of the School of Education Library and the National and University Library.The School of Education spring semester conference took place in Askja on 31 May. The conference was chaired by Professor Berglind Rós Magnúsdóttir and Jakob Frímann Þorsteinsson, adjunct lecturer at the School of Education. The main topic of discussion was the School's relocation to Saga, with a focus on work spaces for staff. The School also said farewell to a dear colleague, Svanborg R. Jónsdóttir, who recently retired. Kolbrún Þ. Pálsdóttir, the dean, gave an address to discuss new and bigger spaces in Saga, the School's research review and action plan. She argued that research and the pursuit of knowledge is paramount in the higher education sector and should be reflected in teaching, learning and all other aspect's of the School's mission. Dagbjört Ósk Jóhannsdóttir, head of the School Council, gave an address on the importance of taking students' needs into account in the design of teaching and learning spaces in Saga. The architect Kristján Garðarsson presented the most recent architectural plans for Saga, followed by a discussion session. People divided into groups to talk about the new work spaces in Saga and what needs to be consisdered when organising and allocating spaces. A task force for the relocation to Saga will build on the group work that took place at the spring semester conference. The conference welcomed the fact that realistic solutions for work space issues will soon be achievable. The conference ended with light refreshments and an appearance by a surprise guest, Auður Jónsdóttir, to celebrate another milestone in the challenging and complex process of preparing for the relocation to Saga.
Designs for teaching and learning spaces presented 8 May
School of Education staff were invited to a presentation on Monday 8 May to see draft designs for new teaching and learning spaces and multi-purpose spaces in Saga. The goal of the meeting was to discuss the draft designs for floors 0, 1, 2, 3 and 8 and provide an opportunity for staff to make comments. The School dean, Kolbrún Þ. Pálsdóttir, opened the meeting with a review of the vision and values behind the relocation to Saga. Svavar Jósefsson, managing director of the School, said a few words about needs assessment and the ideas behind the design. Eyjólfur Brynjar Eyjólfsson, director of the Association for Education and Innovation, and Torfi Hjartarson, lecturer in pedagogy and information technology, presented the work of the task force for STEAM in Saga, synergies and benefits for the School of Education. Kristján Garðarsson, architect at Andrúm, presented the design proposals for teaching and learning spaces and multi-purpose spaces on floors 0-3 and floor 8 of Saga. The meeting ended with a panel discussion with Kristján Garðarsson, architect; Þórdís Gísladóttir, head of the Faculty of Health Promotion, Sport and Leisure Studies; Hanna Ólafsdóttir, lecturer at the Faculty of Subject Teacher Education; Svava Pétursdóttir, lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Pedagogy; Torfi Hjartarson, lecturer at the Faculty of Subject Teacher Education; and Berglind Rós Magnúsdóttir, head of the Faculty of Education and Diversity. There were many interesting questions from the audience. Staff and units at the School also had the opportunity to submit comments after the meeting. Several comments were submitted, which were taken into consideration for the updated presentation of teaching and learning spaces at the spring semester conference on 31 May.
Merging of the School of Education Library and the National and University Library
A motion was passed at a meeting of the University Council on 1 June 2023 to merge the School of Education Library and the National and University Library. The plan is to merge the libraries on 1 July 2024, to coincide with the School of Education's relocation to Saga. The motion was submitted by a task force for merging the libraries which the rector and the national librarian decided to appoint at a meeting on 4 March 2022. Members of task force for UI were: Gunnhildur Björnsdóttir, director of the School of Education Library; Svavar Jósefsson, managing director of SE; Áslaug B. Eggertsdóttir of the SE Education Workshop; Guðmundur R. Jónsson, director of central administration; and Halldór Jónsson director of the Division of Science and Innovation. Members for the National and University Library were: Ingibjörg Steinunn Sverrisdóttir, national librarian; Guðrún Tryggvadóttir, director of services and information; and Edda Björgvinsdóttir, financial director.
Images: Kristinn Ingvarsson
