#miched Archive
The #michED chat is a grassroots effort dedicated to giving teachers, students, and parents across Michigan a bigger voice in the conversation about education in our state. We welcome all voices through a variety of projects, media, and social networking. We’re trying to address educational issues through apolitical conversation, spreading ideas and stories of success from Michigan classrooms across the state, and helping teachers and students regain the courage to connect and demonstrate that schools in Michigan are creating amazing opportunities for learning. We want the face and voice of education in Michigan to be a mural of shared experiences and positive examples of connected learning.
Wednesday April 13, 2016
Hello, ! Plz introduce yourself and tell us about your experience! Creating one? Visited one? Work there? Dreaming big?
Liz, Ed Tech Prof at UofM Ann Arbor. Have not done a full on makerspace (other than app-making). Excited to learn
Hey and , check out this 5K being organized by local HS Ss in an effort to raise money for clean H2O https://t.co/f1wZZMEFno
Hello - Jeff in Grand Rapids, HS SS. Nice to see spring finally arrive!
Hi all! Nicole from Lansing. 3rd grade teacher in Waverly. Working with colleagues to create a maker space at our school.
Hi All! Amy in Oxford. Middle school band teacher. I help with our school's new weekly club:
Ben from St. Joseph. Interested to learn more about taking beyond a few kits and activities.
Steve from LO.. Attending Maker Girl Mania on Sat in Clarkston with my daughter. Plan on having a similar event in fall in LO.
Hello ! Rachelle from St. Clair. Sec. Supervisor for Was starting in library at former position
Hi everyone! Judy in Livonia and have been working to create the , now ready to start making with Ss.
Hi all! Dave from Jackson. I am a newbie maker.
Mr. Nathanson, Student Teacher at Pattengill through UofM. No experience with but excited to learn what its all about.
f2f conference and chat in one week? Goodness. I feel privilieged. Welcome my friend!
Good Eve ! Ann from Adrian. Tech Consultant for Jackson ISD, Making is my passion to share with Ts. https://t.co/nbpoXRK4ZJ
Hello, I'm Eleni, a student teacher working at Pittsfield Elementary in AAPS. Excited to learn about
What's up ? Alaina from ! Love learning about maker space from and excited to help more teachers give it a try!
Hey Kit from Sarnia. Ed tech for Port Huron Schools. Love
the priviledge is all mine! I miss all the great peeps.
Please follow a . She will be sharing some tweets with us tonight as well!
Started in fall. Done some challenges to get Ss working together & have been slowly adding to our supplies.
Thank you for joining the chat and sharing your expertise https://t.co/8kLfS6oZLN
Please follow a . She will be sharing some tweets with us tonight as well!
Let's get started! Q1 From High Tech to Low Tech, what are the favorite aspects of your ?
has coordinated everything for . She's done a ton so far! I just show up & play along w/ Ss. :)
Thx for hosting this chat, Sara! Awesome group! https://t.co/JuBj0wX7eV
Please follow a . She will be sharing some tweets with us tonight as well!
A1: Love how a maker approach can unlock possibilities in thinking and creativity
A bit back and forth, on mommy duty, but happy to participate! :) https://t.co/Ion0r8ZbUQ
Thank you for joining the chat and sharing your expertise https://t.co/8kLfS6oZLN
Please follow a . She will be sharing some tweets with us tonight as well!
A1: Enjoy seeing how students tackle challenges to learn new tech, but really love when they have options and explore on their own.
https://t.co/eNhR1K9Yjd
A1: I find that I love the range of opportunities having high AND low tech offers my Ss. Something for everyone.
A1: I love how a makerspace anticipates and expects that failure will happen, and gives kids a chance to deal w/that eventuality
If you heard about earlier this week and are interested in checking it out, it's starting right now! https://t.co/FT1CPQNCsp 😎
A1: Other than what they . I love to see the community and collaboration grow in the space. https://t.co/V0Y81opHHN
A1: I like the noise and the smell of markers.
A1: with book art, I loved upcycling and seeing Ss create original work from similar material. Everyone could make
Yes! The interactions among the Ss are something I really am paying close attention to as they grow as !
A1: Many think it is the tech that pushes Ss out of their comfort zone, IMO, it is the opportunity for open-ended exploration.
A1 I don't have a makerspace in my classroom but would imagine it would include many items typically found around the school/house
Yes! What Ss do with freedom from inquiry. More important than the tech or tools used https://t.co/Zq9yM42X5o
If you heard about earlier this week and are interested in checking it out, it's starting right now! https://t.co/FT1CPQNCsp 😎
What is "book art?" I've seen some projects from old books, but wondering what your Ss did.
A1) In many ways it is less about the product than the learning and creative process that occurs in makerspaces
A1: Cardboard rocks also!
agree. Nice to see students have freedom in learning
Q1 (Slight revision) What are you dreaming about for the future of your ?
A1Just getting started on our maker space but looking forward to seeing how their making will impact them as learners in other areas
Agree. Sometimes (perhaps most times) the end result isn't as they had planned...better or worse, the process was worthwhile
Agreed! The unknown possibilities within a environment takes people out of their zones. https://t.co/YIMmqAnN5N
A1: Many think it is the tech that pushes Ss out of their comfort zone, IMO, it is the opportunity for open-ended exploration.
it is amazing with all the techie stuff I had they just wanted the cardboard!
Q2 In what ways do you/should we/could you connect activities to curriclm? And what are your thoughts RE:assessment/feedback?
We're talking ed On chat right now. Join us & !
Very neat!!! I just discovered using pinterest for ideas. Definitely following that board. Thx for sharing.
Are there ways in which you are intentional in the space as an educator?
A1) BIG dream is for every young person to have access to an innovative learning space- school or community. https://t.co/Z3E9TZH9We
Q1 (Slight revision) What are you dreaming about for the future of your ?
love how this connects the curriculum to global life that exists outside the school!
A2: Feedback cycles (formative) are essential to making anything both useful and lovely.
I feel that way, intuitively, yet do you think others may feel differently?
A2: My Soapbox: Should a MakerSpace need to fit into curriculum? Can’t it be just a time to not think about it?
I swear by this process. thx! https://t.co/7w2gzfVthX
love how this connects the curriculum to global life that exists outside the school!
A2:My students are multifaceted learners which means they need more than one way to see/experience curriculum. provides that
Hi Carolyn from Grand Rapids jumping in a little late
A2) Making and connecting to real life experiences is so crucial to true learning and can be adapted to any curriculum.
A2: Makerspaces are great for making one’s thinking visible. I think that should be part of any curriculum.
A2) We are working on connecting and learning into our curriculum at mid-level. https://t.co/1l0YqJxaec
Q2 In what ways do you/should we/could you connect activities to curriclm? And what are your thoughts RE:assessment/feedback?
I like that. More than one way to connect.
This is where the discussion really needs to be. Ts are willing but afraid admin will not allow.
A2 I think making lends itself to writing & sci/engineering standards. But sometimes it should just be for fun/exploration
A2: Finding more ways to include inquiry based/student led projects should be a goal. Let Ss discover instead of telling them.
Yes! Could the making movement actually shift the curriculum development. LOVE that.
A2 Genius hour and also creating settings, characters for writing projects
Its not about the space. Its about what you do in that space :)
is it considered STEAM then?
That is exactly why I wrote that piece. https://t.co/aE7A99Enyx
This is where the discussion really needs to be. Ts are willing but afraid admin will not allow.
agree! the critical thinking skills they are learning in those real life experiences are adaptable across all content
Yes! Love the work on visible thinking with https://t.co/j9fvmGicms
A2: Makerspaces are great for making one’s thinking visible. I think that should be part of any curriculum.
A2: the maker movement is a wide tent, which can include writing, science, math, and suicidal studies
A2: I think in order to design something w/materials, Ss need to be comfortable using the materials--developed in makerspace
A2. the push to connect & curric is good, but making takes broader approach, hits big ideas, doesn't stress specifics IMHO
I think that's where design challenges can have a place. Shouldn't be only activity, but develops familiarity/comfort.
A2: there are countless ways to connect making to curriculum, but not if "curriculum" only includes a textbook, then there are few
A2: I've always enjoyed the idea of giving students free reign to create without having to follow a "recipe" or template.
Hello! I looked at the clock and thought! I'm late for ! :)
A2: I see many possibilities from intentional to exploration-school wide resource with expanding options.
I love the varied results and the surprises I get as a teacher-things I never even envisions.
is messy. Period. Basically antithesis of teaching to the test. Bc that approach emphasizes those specifics
Time is flying! Q3 What are some ways you engage Ss in the organization and development of your ?
Ss days are so scheduled/prescribed that many are having to learn how to be openly creative and take risks.
Aren't we ready to move away from test-centered education and towards fostering creativity + innovation?!?! https://t.co/kxv87mUaDQ
is messy. Period. Basically antithesis of teaching to the test. Bc that approach emphasizes those specifics
A3: Sometimes I have to push my students to try new things, to get them hooked, even in the but choice is important
A3) Our named our new . Student leaders developed activities to share w/parents at event.
A3 Facilitating a student led Leadership Team to guide the design and get ideas for the space.
A3: ask students to solve a problem through constraints on resources
A3: Give options, ask about student interests, share new ideas to get them trying new things, encourage them to work together.
A3: Listen to there wants and needs for the space and honor it.
-u won't be disappointed. Practical,Useful, &transformational! read it and its got us going! :) https://t.co/cW3WQP78A2
A3: I wish my students were more involved in the . Something to consider once I have my own classroom.
A3: Voice and Choice, right?
A3: Have a request week and just allow Ss to request maker items. Make a list and start seeing what you can do next.
Our new innovation course will be driven by student interest with and in mind.
A3: Ss are coming together now regularly to inform our initiatives strategically.
Leo and a tad late, 3rd grade T at Elmwood, . But I had to grill out, steak Mmmm will be ghosting 2nite
A3: We're also holding a design/logo contest to "brand" our .
And consider teaming with the media specialist! They are great resources for this https://t.co/UPKjpLoQ5r
A3: I wish my students were more involved in the . Something to consider once I have my own classroom.
We allow our Ss open makerspace time before, during and after school and it is incredible what they do.
A3 I would think giving the kids a voice in organization and development would give them more ownership of the space
Last week we had some Ss come and talk to us about getting sewing machines because they have some cool maker things they want to do.
Popping into (hi friends!) this bibliography may be helpful resource if you're applying to grants! https://t.co/59IfQjl5uQ
I like the idea of Ss creating a wish list, supplies needed list...creates ownership and knowledge of resources
If we are truly focused on the Ss then let them drive the space. I don’t know how everything works in our makerspace, but my Ss do.
elated to see you as moderator 💕💕
A3) Since it is a "maker" space, seems like there's not a "right" way, but it is ever evolving w/Ss leading through choice
it's a big risk. Many tchrs (& stdts) fear change. "What if I fail!?" Sense of safety so key. Culture Shift req'd!
A3: Ss added knitting/crocheting baskets to seated ares in library. As well as QR codes to tutorials
A3:I ask kids what they want to do-sad bcuz sometimes they don't know 2 me,that is an impt purpose of Help them rediscover.
Q4 Organizing the chaos! What are your best tips for managing a shared space?
(This can be overwhelming for newbies, I think!)
I find this to be so true--I see it during when Ss stare blankly at freedom to explore, dream https://t.co/I0Z3DU6iqn
A3:I ask kids what they want to do-sad bcuz sometimes they don't know 2 me,that is an impt purpose of Help them rediscover.
A4: “Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share…”
! https://t.co/rqYSyxaGbX
Q4 Organizing the chaos! What are your best tips for managing a shared space?
(This can be overwhelming for newbies, I think!)
Detroit teachers planning mass protest April 26,2016 Lansing MI @ MI State Capital
8th grade ELA teacher does a great job working with Ss to develop questions, identify interest
Q4 Organizing the chaos! What are your best tips for managing a shared space?
A3.
1. get new "MakerThings" (stuff).
2. Have stdts research, learn how to use.
3. Have them teach me!
We use the back of our bookshelves for shelving and then we got Colored baskets that we organize the different stations in.
Absolutely! But IMO we have to take that risk. Offer permission and support to try something new. https://t.co/ZKRIhbPHKM
it's a big risk. Many tchrs (& stdts) fear change. "What if I fail!?" Sense of safety so key. Culture Shift req'd!
Creating ownership and accountability from the ground up. It is THEIR space!
A4: Tip #1 for managing a shared space. Create group norms that everyone using the space can adhere to!
A4: Our Ss take care of this space. They are the owners of it. We have a lot of tools and in 2 years not one thing missing.
Q4: If students have a hand in designing the makerspace, they will feel more ownership and do their part to care for it.
How did that process look in the beginning for you?
A4: have students go through a design process before building
A4: I don't have a picture but the tool hangers with outlines to show where things go helps.
Thanks! I'm mostly interested in reading responses. We are "on deck" to creating maker space. Learning!
I'm thinking LABELS-LABELS-LABELS.
Lurkers are always welcome, but don't be afraid to chime in, even with questions!
What is incredible about creating this space is that it fires up your Ss. We have Ss waiting for me at 7:20am to get into our space.
I was just thinking of having kids design and create "beds" for the Ozobots!
A4) Perhaps photo record where things go/how they look so Ss can "see" expectation. Pictures say a thousand words
A4: Tip #2 for managing a shared space. Be accountable to the norms for using the space. Highlight good examples of group work.
Love that idea! It'll be great to see what they come up with.
Q5 If you have a school -has the learning culture changed? Can we create a culture that helps grow the mindset of making?
I'm finding that storage is a real issue considering I just stole my space for maker area. ;)
A5: Yes this space has started to change culture. It has taken 2 yr though. Start small Don’t rush into this just to say you have it
A4. Lol - learning to LIVE with (at least a little bit of) the chaos! I live by "u get what u check for" (eg desktops must b clean)
A4 Have a spot where students post areas of strengths and interest..then students can find partners to work together
A5: This is tough. I think some admin/leaders need to get on board to see true change.
A5) I think it would be cool to have a at a back-to-school PD so that Ts can "see" it, "experience" it, get excited
Sung out loud at the top of my lungs repeatedly to my gr 8s. They work faster in order to get away! ;)
A5: Kids are begging for it. Ts having hard time to find the time with everything else they are required to do.
A5: We use for Ss to most projects in our different areas.
A5: I think if we could get more Ss involved it would have bigger impact. Limited by club numbers/time/space still.
Our 1st yr it was about Ss and making. This year is has been about curriculum and building it in. Takes time…
yup - and they sometimes figure things out faster than me :) - no shame in admitting I don't know everything!
Our Ss now ask Ts if they can come to the space to get things to showcase their learning! Love this…
but those few can start a buzz :)
Thank you for a great chat and sharing so many ideas everyone!
I like the idea of 'growing a makerspace" It has to unfold and evolve IMO.
Yes! Teachers have to get hands-on experience. Just posted a blog about it today https://t.co/Kdfi4Ex6Z1 https://t.co/VMqcZhoUDB
A5) I think it would be cool to have a at a back-to-school PD so that Ts can "see" it, "experience" it, get excited
Last one! Q6 What are your absolute MUST read Maker resources? Include links if possible!
A5: Culture is the hardest change to make. Slow and steady.
We started with $500 budget and 5 tools. Slowly grew based on Ss interest and request. Ss drive our space 100%.
You are welcome! Thanks for joining us! Glad we can stay connected!
A6: Invent to Learn is an amazing book. Relevant hashtags can provide inspiration too: , , , etc.
What Video Games Have to Teach us About Learning & Literacy is a foundational text for student agency https://t.co/dAuVqs5E9a
A6: Cheesy, I know, but the best resource I can think of is each one’s own mind.
This is such a rich topic and so much more to explore! Thanks much to everyone who has joined us tonight. Keep the convo going!
thanks for hosting this. I got in late, but glad to connect with everyone.
Nice job! Lots of great thinking here!
Thanks for the great tips and resources everyone! Thanks for hosting You Rock!
I think we're looking to expand next year. Weren't sure what the response would be to start but have better idea now.
If anyone needs anything or wants to see a our space DM I am always open to virtual visitors if our schedules work.
Thank you for moderating this evening! Great conversation. And for bringing
thank you so much for hosting this! Such valuable information!
Thanks, Travis for all you bring to this conversation! Will definitely connect with you and soon!
If you are looking for a great 3D printer prices have dropped to $799 with Awesome stuff! talk to them!
A special thanks to for leading us through our conversation about Makerspaces and this evening!
