Important Developments in Educational Technology: Makerspaces
There have been many important developments in educational technology. One of those developments is the creation of makerspaces within the classroom. I just recently learned about makerspaces in the Spring Semester 2021 while reading through one of my MLS textbooks! I honestly can say I have never heard of such a thing as a makerspace. This blows my mind, considering all I have read on it. Many schools are moving toward makerspaces to give students the chances to explore their creative boundaries and outlets, even for girls. Makerspaces provide materials and resources to foster learning through inquiry. Those materials can range from simple items like craft paper, makers/crayons, glue, modeling clay, Legos, to more high-tech items like taking apart and restoring donated electronics, 3D printers, laser cutters, and screen printing.The world is changing rapidly, and technology within the classroom is proceeding just as quickly. Makerspaces can help and are a fantastic way to educate and build knowledge. They allow students to collaborate, build social skills, allow for creativity, and also allows for those that may struggle with basic academics a chance to excel in a different environment. To implement makerspaces in an elementary classroom environment, it is suggested to “align makerspace goals with the school mission, design and implement structured maker-based activities, and make all teachers aware of the importance of the makerspace.” (Salisbury, 2020). This will lead to more creative, higher level thinking and problem solving. Space isn’t the primary concern, but it’s the fact that the students are getting the opportunity to explore and tinker to problem solve and build collaboration and communication skills. Developing a maker culture is what is priority (Meyer, 2017). Teachers should be fearless champions! Integrating literacy into the STEAM subjects involved with makerspaces help students to understand key concepts at a higher level. Students begin to master these subjects and will excel in their future and careers. One group even explained WHY they wanted to create makerspaces…”our mission is to help our learners become “Life Ready,” developing a mindset defined by the qualities of caring, thinking, designing, and acting.” (Jarrett, 2016). It’s all about design thinking, making things that matter, and it challenges students to solve REAL problems. Makerspaces are all about learning, making a difference, and improving people's lives!
Reference Citations
The journal Magazine: April/may 2017. The Journal. (n.d.). https://thejournal.com/research/2017/04/magazine_aprmay.aspx?tc=page0.
Kurt Salisbury, T. P. N. (n.d.). School makerspaces: Beyond the hype - kurt Salisbury, T. Philip Nichols, 2020. SAGE Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0031721720923792.
Makerspaces and design THINKING: Perfect together! - PROQUEST. (n.d.). https://www.proquest.com/openview/bd475b4bc1e40e510f9c47dc6cee760a/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=25066.
