Makerspaces moving class to class through Design Thinking
I was extra excited about the idea of makerspaces. Being in the theatre, I am always looking for ways to create props and set pieces for upcoming shows. Creating takes inquiry and problem solving; both important skills to have in life and when working with and in makerspaces. Just as Ana Conino-Fluit points out in her article, maker spaces can often reach students who are not always successful in a traditional classroom model. What better way to reach students that don't identify as readers than to have a space to invoke thought. She also discusses the difference between crafting and making and how a makerspace should allow people think outside of the box.
Though my current school does not have a makerspace, I am already thinking and dreaming of what and how for a space in the future. In the wake of CoVid a couple of challenges that may present themselves are space and accessibility. These challenges lead me to start researching Mobile Maker Spaces. Many art teachers at the elementary level are already "cart teachers" meaning that they travel room to room with a cart of supplies and teach their lessons in separate classrooms. Why not create maker spaces that can travel to rooms as well as live in the Media Center. Having a plan and a process for users to follow also leads to stronger spaces.
The San Jose Public Library shares their Mobile Guide. Though it is geared towards their Mobile Makerspaces It provides a wealth of information to think about when creating our own mobile spaces.
They focus on Design Thinking which is a inquiry process that starts and ends with questions.
1. Empathize Talk about the problem or challenge? What do the students want to accomplish or solve? Get all information you can.
2. Define Using the information spell out the problem you are going to tackle.
3. Ideate Brainstorm.
4. Prototype Use the brainstorm to create something.
5.Test Test the prototype that you have created and see what works. Take what works and move forward.
6 Implement Use what worked and ask more questions.
Using Design Thinking as you create these Mobile Makerspaces gets to the quick of the need as well as models the process you might want to use. It is a sound process for any age and will service students and teachers alike helping build their skill set that is usable outside in the world.
Having a process is also discussed in ISTE blog to help create your Makerspace. (See Below).
Finally I am including a youtube video produced by Washington State Library. It is about creating your own makerspace. It goes over funding and deciding what your makerspaces might need. It is long but it has some great information that I will surely use in the future.
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