Thinking and Tinkering

Today in one of my education courses (Technology in the Classroom), I had the pleasure of attending a MakerSpace workshop at the Richard Labbe MakerSpace (University of Ottawa). During the workshop we were introduced to 3D printing along with the software to build and print different 3D objects. I found the workshop to be interesting as it gave me insight into a new way of using technology in the classroom. Hands on workshop like these, facilitates interactive learning as students take control over and are accountable for their own learning experience.

Before this workshop I had little knowledge about MakerSpaces. For this class we were required to read some articles about the MakerSpace movement prior to the workshop. The reading from Diana Rendina’s article (2015) on her website really stood out to me as she discussed the flexibility and uniqueness each MakerSpace should have and that it shouldn’t be about the tools in that space but more how the space creates a community of collaboration, creativity and inquiry within students. Rendina (2015) defines the MakerSpace movement as an informal atmosphere that allows students to “gather to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials”.

This movement really excited me as it allows teachers to relinquish their authoritarian role and students are able to express an explore their own ideas. With the overflow of information in today’s society that student need to prioritize and manage, a MakerSpace allows students to develop their ability to engage in questioning, and problem solved while working through the hands-on activities. This better prepares students to enter the real world.

References:

• Google.ca (Images)