The Learning Commons

The Skyline College Learning Commons brings together the functions of the Library and the Learning Center into a unified, technology enhanced academic support space for students in Building 5.

The Learning Center

The Learning Center (TLC) is a flexible learning environment providing academic support for students in all Skyline College courses through workshops, instructional technology,  and various academic support programs such as Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and Peer Mentoring.. The goal of the TLC is to offer students opportunities to learn more quickly and effectively and with greater confidence. Accordingly, the TLC provides alternative means of instruction that address students’ diverse learning preferences and styles. The TLC also offers a comprehensive program of individual and small group support for all levels of English, ESOL, reading and math, and provides tutoring in a variety of academic subject areas. The Learning Center includes the following: Writing/Reading Tutorial Lab, Math Tutorial Lab, ESOL Tutorial Lab, Science, Business & Social Science Tutorial Lab, computer use, online tutoring, and Supplemental Instruction.

Tutoring and Academic Support Workshops: Free tutoring is available to students in a variety of subjects at The Learning Center. Students must be enrolled in LSKL 803 (0 units) or LSKL 800 (0.5 or 1.0 unit) to receive tutoring. In addition, the Learning Center offers free one-hour instructional workshops for students on a variety of topics each term. Workshops are facilitated in a wide array of modalities: online synchronous and in-person (in Building 5).

Embedded Tutoring: Embedded Tutoring integrates a peer or professional tutor directly into introductory courses in the fields of Writing, Reading, Math and Science. The tutor attends all class sessions and provides real-time assistance to students. In class, the tutor supports the instructor, models effective student behavior, and meaningfully contributes to group discussions. Outside of class, the tutor hosts one-on-one and group tutoring sessions and coaches students in developing independent learning skills. The goal of Embedded Tutoring is to provide individualized academic support to students within the classroom, and to enhance their engagement, understanding, and overall success in a course.

Supplemental Instruction: Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a voluntary academic assistance program that utilizes peer-led group study to help students succeed in traditionally difficult courses. SI sessions are led by Skyline College students who have previously completed the course successfully and have received SI training.

Peer Mentoring: Peer Mentors help students successfully navigate college by helping them connect to resources, understand the culture of college, and become part of a community of learners who have similar interests and goals. Peer mentors work one-on-one with students to identify challenges, set goals, develop leadership and professional skills, and establish positive daily routines and habits. Peer Mentors provide a positive environment to help ease the adjustment to college life.

Tutor Training: SStudents who would like to become a peer tutor in the Learning Center should register for LSKL 110, Effective Tutoring and Practicum. Students completing LSKL 110 will receive course credit, achieve the first step towards earning a Level 1 CRLA International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC), and gain eligibility to work in The Learning Center as a tutor, if positions are available. For more information about The Learning Center, please call (650) 738-4144 or stop by the Center in Building 5, Room 5100 (below the Library). To learn more about our in-person or online services and check on current hours of operation, please visit our website: www.skylinecollege.edu/learningcenter.

Library

Skyline College Library, which occupies the second floor of Building 5, features a book collection, access to computers, a technology loan program, as well as extensive online resources. Online resources include eBooks, films, journals, magazines, and newspapers all of which may be accessed on-campus or off-campus with the Student OneLogin credentials. Through a wide area network, students have access to the Internet, the OneSearch online catalog, and the Peninsula Library System (PLS) online catalog. The Library’s web address is www.skylinecollege.edu/library.

Textbook Affordability/Accessibility: The Skyline Library maintains the College Reserves Collection, where instructors can place textbooks, past exams, quizzes, solution manuals, and article reprints for restricted access behind the circulation desk. The Library supports the College’s Zero-Textbook-Cost and Low-Textbook-Cost initiatives and provides access to reduced-cost course materials with clear designations for easy identification.

Study Spaces: The Library also has six group study rooms, numerous study carrels providing privacy for individual work, and a computer lab for class research workshops. Borrowing privileges are extended to all students. Library cards are not required. Every student with a G# has a library account.

Research Support: Faculty Librarians are available to provide research help via chat, email, phone, text, or in person.

Contact information: (650) 738-4312 (reference), (650) 738-4311 (main line). Please check the library website for hours of operation and to access library services.

Technology Equipment & Support: The Skyline College Library offers a variety of technology equipment for our students to borrow, which includes Chromebooks, laptops, graphing calculators, wi-fi hotspots, headphones, adapters, and more. For more information, see the Technology Equipment and Services page.

The Library also provides access to over 40 drop-in desktop computers running Microsoft Windows 10. These computers feature up-to-date software, such as Office365, with access to web browsers and advanced graphic design software like Adobe Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat Professional. The Library also provides assistive technology on select computer workstations.

Skyline College students have access to pay-as-you-go print services. Please check with library staff on most current pricing for printing.

Free Wi-Fi, as well as Educational Technology and basic computer help, is available during open hours.

Library provides two scanning stations where completed scanned documents can be saved on a USB personal storage device or emailed.

Free Wi-Fi and basic learning technology support are available during in-person open hours and through online chat.