Makerspace - "Because Life Doesn't Come With Instructions"
This week, I chose to explore the topic of the makerspace movement. Makerspace is another one of those education buzzwords that I have been hearing for a few years, but haven't had the chance to explore the movement further. This was the perfect opportunity to do so. Before looking into the topic of makerspaces by reviewing the sources that Nicole provided as well as researching independently, my understanding of makerspaces consisted of the fact that the movement was all about students using creativity and collaboration to produce a functioning creation of some sort or complete a certain task. I was unsure of what the true purpose of makerspaces were, though, other than allowing children the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences.
This video link is a great introduction to what makerspace is. While exploring the topic, a concept that seemed to be emphasized in terms of the purpose of the movement is that makerspace is designed in order to teacher students how to be producers of technology, not just consumers of it. I thought this was an interesting way to describe the maker movement because it directly connects to the 4 C's and 21st century learning. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, 21st century learning skills prepare students for a future workforce in which their job roles will frequently change due to the rapid changes in technology. Students not only have to learn how to adjust and adapt to those frequent and rapid changes, but they need to learn how to be the creators of new innovative technology products that will aid in improving our society and way of life. It sounds like makerspace is the movement designed to equip students with these 21st century skills necessary for success in the future workforce.
"Life doesn't come with instructions." This was another interesting quote that I happened across in my research on makerspaces. This quote couldn't be any closer to reality in my eyes. In life, there are always problems that you have to solve or things that haven't been discovered yet. Makerspace is a project-based learning in which students can take their ideas and make them a reality. Students are living in a digital world in which technology grows and develops so rapidly and it plays a huge role in aiding in the development of new ideas and technologies. By providing our students with the skills to explore ideas and possibilities that don't already exist, technology and society will grow in ways not even imaginable. According to Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences,"humans learn differently because intelligence comes in many forms, and hands-on learning through the sort of rich projects advocated by makers offers flexible opportunities for students to learn in their personal style or styles." Students need more opportunities to explore and express their ideas in the classroom so that their learning reflects the rapidly advancing digital world that they live in. Schools are always pushing teachers to make real world connections to student learning, and makerspace is one of those ways in which this can be possible in the 21st century. Through makerspace, students are more likely to explore and discover their true passions while also leveraging new tools to amplify human capacity.
As of now, I have not used makerspace within my classroom, and I don't know of anyone in my school that does. It is not something that my district has offered PD on either. The only reason that I am familiar makerspaces is that I have heard a few of my peers that I went to college with (who are also educators) discuss how they are attempting to implement it gradually within their classrooms. It is definitely something that I would love to look into trying myself, but it is hard to do when there are no materials to utilize, no support from other educators that have experience with it, and no training on implementation strategies. I see the benefits of the maker movement and can see the possibility of more educators looking into what it is all about, but I think it will take some time to catch on at my school. If anyone has experience with implementing a makerspace in their classroom with no resources available through their school, I would love some advice!
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/93/4f/b8934fc0b4dade1d2d340f64b27b7c03--elementary-school-library-school-libraries.jpg
This image shows some possible makerspace centers that might work well with elementary school students.
This video link is a great introduction to what makerspace is. While exploring the topic, a concept that seemed to be emphasized in terms of the purpose of the movement is that makerspace is designed in order to teacher students how to be producers of technology, not just consumers of it. I thought this was an interesting way to describe the maker movement because it directly connects to the 4 C's and 21st century learning. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, 21st century learning skills prepare students for a future workforce in which their job roles will frequently change due to the rapid changes in technology. Students not only have to learn how to adjust and adapt to those frequent and rapid changes, but they need to learn how to be the creators of new innovative technology products that will aid in improving our society and way of life. It sounds like makerspace is the movement designed to equip students with these 21st century skills necessary for success in the future workforce.
"Life doesn't come with instructions." This was another interesting quote that I happened across in my research on makerspaces. This quote couldn't be any closer to reality in my eyes. In life, there are always problems that you have to solve or things that haven't been discovered yet. Makerspace is a project-based learning in which students can take their ideas and make them a reality. Students are living in a digital world in which technology grows and develops so rapidly and it plays a huge role in aiding in the development of new ideas and technologies. By providing our students with the skills to explore ideas and possibilities that don't already exist, technology and society will grow in ways not even imaginable. According to Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences,"humans learn differently because intelligence comes in many forms, and hands-on learning through the sort of rich projects advocated by makers offers flexible opportunities for students to learn in their personal style or styles." Students need more opportunities to explore and express their ideas in the classroom so that their learning reflects the rapidly advancing digital world that they live in. Schools are always pushing teachers to make real world connections to student learning, and makerspace is one of those ways in which this can be possible in the 21st century. Through makerspace, students are more likely to explore and discover their true passions while also leveraging new tools to amplify human capacity.
As of now, I have not used makerspace within my classroom, and I don't know of anyone in my school that does. It is not something that my district has offered PD on either. The only reason that I am familiar makerspaces is that I have heard a few of my peers that I went to college with (who are also educators) discuss how they are attempting to implement it gradually within their classrooms. It is definitely something that I would love to look into trying myself, but it is hard to do when there are no materials to utilize, no support from other educators that have experience with it, and no training on implementation strategies. I see the benefits of the maker movement and can see the possibility of more educators looking into what it is all about, but I think it will take some time to catch on at my school. If anyone has experience with implementing a makerspace in their classroom with no resources available through their school, I would love some advice!
This image shows some possible makerspace centers that might work well with elementary school students.
Thanks for sharing the link about makerspaces. Do you think based on the research you did about the movement that the students that this is geared toward are in the elementary levels? Have you looked into finding a PD on it that is presented in the area? I have in the past looked to other school districts to see what they are doing, and then asked to observe a teacher when they are working on what I'd like to see in action. Maybe check around with other school. Often times your district may pay for the sub for the day so that you could go complete the observation as professional development.
ReplyDeleteI tried to focus on the elementary version of Makerspace since that is the age group that I teach, but the movement is very much geared toward middle and high school students just as much, if not even more! Everything is simply adapted to meet each level's needs and abilities, but the concept of problem-solving and using creativity to bring ideas to life remains consistent. Looking for possible professional development presenters in the area or visiting a teacher from my district or another district that uses Makerspace is a great thought and something that I will have to look more into this summer! Thanks for your thoughts!
DeleteThank you for the information on Makerspaces! I agree that the movement is geared to all age groups and quite possibly to older kiddos more than younger. In my experience, younger kiddos love the opportunity to be creative and can turn anything into something new. My daughter has Makerspace center time in her own kindergarten classroom and comes home with birdhouses made from paper towel rolls, a "computer" she made out of cardboard boxes, etc. There is for sure a lot of creativity to it for the younger grades. The older students, middle and high school, create some amazing things when given the time and tools to do so! The constructivist nature and the 4 C's incorporation for older kiddos really allows them to be inventors in a Makerspace. The video link was great - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFor those of you much younger than me (which is probably most of you) you'll learn something about education the longer you are in it: ideas come full circle and we like to rename things we've done in the past. Makerspaces: aka "Home Ec" classes and "Shop" class! Danielle I applaud your enthusiasm given the constraints you see in your district. Don't let it stop you from trying something new. Consider writing a DonorsChoose grant for a small amount to purchase one or two "maker" type toys and set up your own Makerspace!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, Nicole! I have set up DonorsChoose projects in the past and have always been successful with them. I will have to look into that this summer!
Delete