Makerspaces
What is it?
Is a physical location where people
gather to share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build.They provide tools and space in a community environment. It emerges from technology-driven maker culture.
How does it works?
Places for technological experimentation, hardware development and idea prototyping. Self-directed individual inventors.
Classes are generally not for credit and focus on a single skill, such as coding, soldering or woodcarving.
It is used by students and it has become a space for informal project-driven, self-directed learning
It provides workspace to tinker, try out solutions and hear input from colleagues with similar interests.
Who's doing it?
It emerges initially as a powerful learning force in the nonacademic community
Members see sharing and learning skills as a key purpose of their makerspace
The emphasis in on community-provided mutual assistance, and the output from students activity might be a robot or a knitted seater that lights up
Why is it important?
Zones of self-directed learn ing
Their hands-on character, coupled with the tools and raw materials that support invention
Provide the ultimate workshop for the tinkerer and the perfect educational space for individuals who learn best by doing
Interaction among inventors at these fosters a highly collaborative learning dynamic that is excellent for team efforts and for peer support, advice and assistance
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.
High-end 3D printers that print with a variety of media can be
expensive. Some of these machines can be dangerous, too, raising liability issues.
Finally, much of the value of a
makerspace lies in its informal character
Where is it going?
Participants have room and opportunity for hands-on work
Virtual participation
Video may input from remote experts
Teleoperation may enable manipulation of machinery form afar
What are the implications for teaching and learning?
It gives room and materials for physical learning
Spaces can easily be cross-disciplinary, students in many fields can use them, often finding technical help for work they are undertaking in their areas.