Maker Space

Makerspace is a physical space that is used to create and learn through practical hands-on experience. Here, people gather to share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network and build (Makerspace, (n.d.). Makerspace provide tools and space where students, investors, teachers, and teachers can come together and collaborate. It is sometimes referred to as hackerspace. Makerspace is often associated with fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  Education and arts are also starting to embrace makerspace (“7 Things You,” n.d.).

Makerspace are primary places for idea prototyping, technological experimentation, and hardwaredevelopment. There are several types of equipment that can be found in a makerspace ranging from welding machines, soldering machines, microcontrollers to 3D printers (Makerspace, 2016). And supplies include metal, plastic, cardboard, gears, wood, and batteries. With this vast array of material and equipment, different types of projects can be done in a makerspace. Some of the projects that can be done include coding, 3D printing, sewing, laser cutting, soldering, robot building/robotics, woodcarving, among many others (“7 Things You,” n.d.). Makerspace, therefore, provides a workspace to tinker, experimentation, project-driven and self-driven learning.

Makerspace has positive implications for teaching and learning. Here, students can take control of their own learning while teachers can act as connectors. Instead of students depending on teachers as a source of information, teachers can connect students to one another when they need to learn a new technique, how to use a machine or how to make a functional circuit. Teachers can also connect students to external experts who can help students learn better (Lessons from the Makerspace, (n.d.). This way, makerspaces provide an opportunity to enhance students’ learning experience.

The future of makerspace is bright. Many universities are taking up the idea of building makerspaces.

Makerspaces have also found their way into public libraries, community centers and to elementary

schools (Hertz, M. B. 2012).  With rapidly improving technology, virtual participation and teleoperation of machines can be possible. With that, many experts from different geographical locations can be involved in project collaboration. And eventually, makerspaces may become linked from campus to campus, encouraging joint project collaboration. And one day, project work done in makerspaces may be accepted and reviewed for college credit(“7 Things You,” n.d.).
After describing and defining makerspaces I would like to share my personal experiences as an Engineering & Design Teacher. Last year my school district organized a MakerFaire, it was a big success and this year we started Enginering&Design Class. We converted the computer classroom into a makerspace.So far I can say that our students are doing well and did very nice projects.

                                                   iLearn Schools Maker Faire Video.

Please watch this TEDx talk about makerspaces in Education .It  is really worth it.

    References 

        i.            7 Things You Should Know About Makerspaces. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2017, from https://library.educause.edu/resources/2013/4/7-things-you-should-know-about-makerspaces

      ii.            Hertz, M. B. (2012, November 06). Creating Makerspaces in Schools. Retrieved January 25, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/creating-makerspaces-in-schools-mary-beth-hertz

    iii.            Lessons from the Makerspace. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2017, from https://www.gse.harvard.edu/uk/blog/lessons-makerspace

    iv.            Makerspace. (2016, September 15). Retrieved January 25, 2017, from http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/techlending/makerspace

Makerspace. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2017, from http://library.curtin.edu.au/facilities/makerspace