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.
Makerspaces are a great way for students to use their creativity and think outside the box. It allows students to problem solve and use the materials they have been given to make it work. This works great in pairs or small groups as well. It teaches them to work with others and listen to each other.
ReplyDeleteOne of our former instructional aids got a librarian position (the smaller schools around here pay one librarian for the district and put aids in the libraries) and I had to explain what a makerspace was the other day. They're so vital for free inquiry and exploration. I think this is an innovative topic to explore, as we've merely touched the surface.
ReplyDeleteI am in one of those smaller schools that has one librarian for the entire district. I had no idea what a makerspace was either and I am not sure if even my current librarian does! She may, but not have the time to prepare or the space. Not exactly sure. And we do not even have any aids to help her. I will be taking over the position when she retires in a few years and there are so many things, like a makerspace, that I want to make sure gets set up!
DeleteI did not know exactly what Makerspaces were until I started the Library Science program. Reading and researching them more has made me a little bit more comfortable about incorporating them into my lessons. It truly does promote learning through inquiry and it is great for collaboration. I like that you mentioned to "make all teachers aware of the importance of the makerspace." It does build up their creativity! Thanks for sharing your findings!
ReplyDeleteMakerspaces truly allow students to lead their learning. I feel that we will continue to see the trend toward student led learning especially with the access to technology that students have today.
ReplyDeleteHello Sabrina! Physical environments such as makerspaces foster hands-on learning and development of 21st-century skills. I also recently learned about them through the library science program and curiously enough started seeing them more and more online, in blogs, and even in my school’s music room!
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