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Makerspaces (What are the downsides? (Space in learning facilities is…
Makerspaces
What are the downsides?
Space in learning facilities is often at a premium, and cost is a consideration in setting up an area for making.
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Smaller, more affordable 3D printers generally create only small items, often from a single medium in only one color.
Equipment such as milling machines, welding equipment, lathes, 3D printers, and laser cutters may be in high demand, which can result in long wait times for students trying to use these facilities.
Some of these machines can be dangerous, too, raising liability issues.
Why is it significant?
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Interaction among inventors at these facilities fosters a highly collaborative learning dynamic that is excellent for team efforts and for peer support, advice, and assistance.
They promote multidisciplinary thinking and learning, enriching the projects that are built there and the value of the makerspace as an educational venue.
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Associated with fields such as engineering, computer science, and graphic design.
Supplies such as cardboard, plastic, metal, gears, wood, and batteries may be on hand, and available tools mayinclude anything from a welding machine to a laser cutter.
But certain materials and tools are emblematic of makerspaces, such as microcontrollers called arduinos and 3D printers, valuable for fast prototyping.
Who’s doing it?
Included electronic modifications to musical instruments, mini robots, giant wind chimes, a biodiesel reactor, and an electric car.
The WHALE Lab (Wheaton Autonomous Learning Lab) is an interdisciplinary makerspace where students embroider, solder, weld, sculpt, or otherwise design and manufacture creative projects.
Where is it going?
One key demand of a makerspace is that it exist as a physical location where participants have room and opportunity for hands-on work, but as these environments evolve, we may see more virtual participation.
As education assessment evolves, the project work done in makerspaces may one day be accepted and reviewed for college credit in lieu of more conventional coursework.
What is it?
A makerspace is a physical location where people
gather to share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build.
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How does it work?
Makerspaces are often open for informal, unscheduled activity; in some cases, an organization will host scheduled classes in a makerspace.
Focus on a single skill, such as coding, soldering, or woodcarving.