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MAKERSPACES AND DESIGN BASED & PROBLEM BASED LEARNING IN ACTION

Makerspaces and Design Challenges from Our Friend John Spencer


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE3HUudpYeA

What is a Makerspace? Real School Perspective


https://youtu.be/QVBVK1BAOos

 

  1. Reflect on these words and phrases: Makerspace, Maker Movement, FabLab, Makey Makey, Hackerspace. What do you think you know about them? If it's nothing, that's OK.

  2. Here are a few definitions/overviews from a variety of sources:
    A makerspace is a place where students can gather to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. Makerspace is a general term for a place where people get together to make things. Makerspaces might focus on electronics, robotics, woodworking, sewing, laser cutting, programming, or some combination of these skills. A makerspace is a place where people come together to design and build projects. Makerspaces typically provide access to materials, tools, and technologies to allow for hands-on exploration and participatory learning. They are occasionally referred to as fablabs, hackerspaces or tech shops.
    http://renovatedlearning.com/2015/04/02/defining-makerspaces-part-1/
    Roslund, S., & Rogers, E. (2013). Makerspaces. North Mankato, MN: Cherry Lake Publishing.
    http://acrl.ala.org/techconnect/post/makerspaces-move-into-academic-libraries

    Information Source: http://wvhslmc.weebly.com/what-is-it.html Photo used under CC license Diane Horvath
  3. Next watch this video from teachers and students in Charlottesville, VA to see how makerspaces are working with students from elementary to high school.

  4. These videos show the benefits of Makerspaces and design-based thinking on learning. You pick one...
    Learning Problem Solving and Growth Mindset in a Makerspace
    (Elementary) https://youtu.be/oQvcbLmNfok
    Thinkering Studio: Supporting Self-Directed Learning
    (Middle Grades) https://youtu.be/Erm2Kokx8R0


  5. "Libraries are no longer simply a holding area for books, they are community hubs. People gather at the library to share ideas and enrich their lives. Computers and internet are now standard in libraries and are often in demand. Unemployed individuals can come to the library and apply for jobs. Kids can do their homework (or play games) at the library. But did you know that libraries are now becoming much more than books, computers and internet? Libraries are becoming creation spaces, often called maker spaces (or makerspaces)." http://blogs.sos.wa.gov/library/index.php/2012/12/the-library-as-a-makerspace/ (retired)

  6. Assignment:

    1. Create a new post on your Blog and call it something related to Makerspaces. It could even be called "Makerspaces" if you wished. :-)
    2. Choose any of the videos from today's activity and at the top embed it on your blog page/post.
      1. Copy the link under your chosen video from this page.
      2. From within your post, choose the icon to insert a video from the top toolbar
        embed1
      3. In the box that pops up, choose "From YouTube"
        embed2
      4. Paste the URL or web address in the field (see arrow)
      5. When your video shows up, click to select it and then choose the blue "Select" button.
        embed3
    3. You will be taken back to your post and will next write a one sentence caption that tells about the video. Use your own words and not the title of the video!
      embed4
    4. Browse to one of these *brief* stories from the School Library Journal that focus on the Maker Movement from 3-D Printing to Sewing and Craft Work. Check out one that interests you at the following links:
    5. After reading the short article that you chose in Part D, write one *robust* paragraph describing the article you chose and be specific and detailed in your description including examples from the article you read.

    6. Last, write another *meaty* paragraph about your honest opinion of makerspaces and whether you think they are worth the time, effort, and money for students. Also include that if there was a makerspace in your school, would you use it with your students and how would you use it to support your instruction? You may also reference the video content you watched for this topic in your reflection, if you wish.

  7. IN A NUTSHELL THERE ARE THREE PARTS TO THIS POST:
    1. An embedded video of your choice with a one sentence caption underneath.
    2. A robust paragraph summarizing and responding to one of the four linked articles in The Maker Issue
    3. A robust paragraph sharing your honest opinon about makerspaces noting the things in italics to include in your paragraph.
    8.

MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO MAKERSPACES

Look at this exhaustive list of resources, blog posts, articles, and videos from Edutopia:
http://www.edutopia.org/article/maker-education-resources

And this list of 10 Makerspace resources:
https://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2014/08/03/maker-space-in-education-series-10-sites-to-start-making-in-the-classroom/

Check out these resources, too: