#digitaledchat Archive
#digitaledchat is a global twitter chat that covers almost everything and anything to do with modern learning, educational technology and learning spaces. Contributors are often from all over the world and new participants are always welcome to take part!
Monday September 19, 2016
Myles, Classroom Teacher and DP from Auroa Primary School, South Taranaki, NZ
Welcome to and a discussion on makerspaces. Looking to start the conversation and get lots of ideas
Hi Im Lisa from New Zealand. :-)
Nicola from Wellington, Teacher Y1-3
Hi Ashley! Amazing Principal, Great School and brilliant Cluster!
Evening, Heather here from up North.
Thanks Michael really looking forward to tonights
Hi & Matt from Perth. Looking to see what I can learn!
Sue joining from wet Alice Springs. Interested to learn what MakerEd is about. Work in VET, & curious if it's relevant
Everyone following tonight, we're trying to grow the hastag & community, so feel free to use it :)
Serial lurker: cereal eater: serial reader slinking around on
Happy Monday .. urbie, learning experience designer from Chandler, AZ & fresh from [shouldn’t have napped]..
Same, but very nervous as it's my first big chat to host...
Nic Petty from Chch NZ. Part of a group of STEM providers including Fabriko. Keen to learn needs.
Its going to be another awesome chat and you'll do a right job for sure...
None but super keen. Karen from Brisbane here. First time in a chat. Eeekkkk
Oh hi, Dr Nic! Waves to from Australia.
/ Fantabulicous. Someone I know IRL. Used Dragon Cards in Math on Friday. :)
DEFINITELY! All interested people welcome to chat :)
A1 have set up and run a makerspace in our school kitchen. Open for 1 hour at lunchtimes for any students
A1 Easy one to start - nothing, none, zip. At least, not knowingly. Hoping to find out what it's all about
A1 Went to in 2014 and saw amazing space... that has continued to inspire me
A1: I don't have one in my current school but I did have one at my last school. No room atm. Looking into tubs etc
Anything specific that they were doing that inspired you?
A1 Were the same here Sue, we have a little bit of technology but not a special place anywhere in the school
A1 We have an area in class for "making" and exporing but want to learn more about MS
. OOOOh exciting!!! Students were making up their own stat related games on Friday.
What kinds of things did you have at your last school?
is now trending in New Zealand, ranking 4
Yes a space for artists in residence to work
A1: Love them. Started one at a previous school. Was great to see Ss immersed in tinkering and designing.
Visited Selwyn House makerspace when they were working on Tangram shelves.
A1: Depends on your definition of makerspace?! Our kitchens are spaces where Ss learn, create and collaborate!
A1: provide great opportunities for S to be innovative and creative & don't have to be expensive!
Is that for your Y1-3 students or for everyone? have to book in to it?
. Snap! Zip. Nada. Zilch.
How often was the makerspace space open for each day??
Yes my understanding was it was for outside artists
Anything specific those Ss like to use? Or just lots of stuff?
How exciting. Nothing like that at our space.
It certainly does... my definition is very broad, not sure about others'
lots of stuff - although about providing choices and opp for creativity & innovation.
A1 at the moment most popular makerbreakerspace taking things to bits to see what makes them work
Exactly! Many Ts think they cost loads, but less materials can mean more innovation
A2 A makerspace is any space where Ls have a variety of materials, tools, etc to create or make whatever they want
A2 A creation area? We don't have a specific space, have 3D Printers in the classroom for students use
They loved pulling things apart, making thing out of boxes, little bits and pieces, and generally tinkering.
I'm with you. I've heard the term but not a definition so not sure what it's about.
Well, I hope we can help make things clearer tonight :)
A1: helped run after-school Internet cafe/maker space for 5-12 years in Fairfield, Hamilton https://t.co/gwUoy8zktT
Hey all. Q2 A project based learning environment, built around participatory learning.
A2: I think its a space where Ss and Ts are free to create, to collaborate and tinker with ideas, products and things.
This makes me think of another q I could have asked tonight but didn't - but for a future chat I guess :)
I guess in some cases the whole room could be considered one
WE have 3D printers and spaces where things are made . Not sure if they are actual maker spaces?
I love the work tinkering…kind of makes me think it should be ‘thinkering’
A2: A dedicated space where Ss (& Ts) can explore creativity and innovation through making.
Yes I'd love to have a specific free space but we've not really got the physical space free
Good day everyone, joining for some convo. I'm Stephan, academic ELT cordinator/lecturer based in Rio de Janeiro
I like how you include Ts. I often like building/creating with my Ls. I think it benefits them as well
lots of boxes electronics batteries wires timber, cane, leather and punches.
I am putting Tinker Tubs in my classroom next term. I like that word too!
maker space is about people supporting to make, as well as the hardware?
I think many Ts think you need a special room, lots of expensive tech equip etc...You don't!
I do believe you may have just coined an awesome term there :)
Do schools limit the number of Ss and how many Ts are needed to coordinate the space??
this afternoon our dept meeting was tinkering with some new ‘toys’. Great learning & fun!
No I don't think it needs to be digital. Should it be supervised? Undefined tools? Age limited?
I would say so. I think a lot of schools have them without realizing it
A2a A Makerspace is any learning space where the learner gets face-to-face with [the potential for] injury..
A1: A community space where Ss and Ts come alike to learn, collaborate, create and assess. Flat playing field.
A2 I would think it it has some of the tools it would be a makerspace.
Learning lots about in the tonight! new word - thinkering! https://t.co/Ef6bV9fhJG
I love the work tinkering…kind of makes me think it should be ‘thinkering’
Yes and no, my Ls have used our makerspace to complete & other class work
So, we don't have 3D printer. We do have a great area to make and create. I am learning... 2/2
A2.Socioeconomic issues @ my school unfortunately made makerspaces hard 2 establish due 2 lack of resources/donations 19/9/16
I think it would be a great idea but we've literally got no space at all
A2b Learners sit(ting) and get(ting) isn’t likely to cause physical harm. But making stuff requires safety awareness..
A2 tinkering space. A place to explore, ideate, prototype, create and collaborate.
Makerspace = thinkering. Matt, fantabulous!
That is awesome! Risky places those makerspaces!
Often carry around boxes of stuff and find a space - library, resource room, under a tree https://t.co/nVwE4bUN7O
Yes I'd love to have a specific free space but we've not really got the physical space free
A2c There’s a chance learning might go astray (hammer, nail, thumb) that engages interests and awareness.
Makerspace = learning space/learner space?
Yep! U can have them, but don't need them. Cardboard & other recyclables are amazing!
Well three 3D Printers are a tool, and love them but they're not for everyone and people under est print time
That sounds cool! What will be in the Tinker Tubs?
Yes I would love to that, we have a STEM block once a week but don't think it should be timed or scheduled
A3 Space, time, money, permission, difficulty getting ideas can be obstacles to makerspaces, but can be overcome
Yep, people and the collaboration are key to being successful, sharing ideas and knowledge
I haven't had the pleasure yet...
exactly kids love their cardboard :-)
Darn it, the 7 yr old is demanding I help her with her math homework. Apologies.
Great Q- Seen models where Ss come as they want & there's only 1T available to supervise IF needed (often not)
A3 being able to staff the makerspace as I'm on duty most days
A3 Applying the technology so its accessible to everyone and not have gate keepers in the way
Yes! I think we do without realising!
amazing what you can scrounge - have a degree in scrounging
Shop. That’s what was called when I was in school in the ‘60s. It involved lots of movement & mess, too
A3: SLT being prepared to dedicate space - so made my Makerspace portable! :-)
Lots of little bits and pieces from crafty things, paper and circuits and lego...
Depends, I'm the only one at my current school, my Ss will take materials around class if needed
Yes we run a range of things from Y1-3 students I can make a list and share
A3: Most often its budget or time. At times its a ‘who looks after it?’ type Q. Whose ‘job’ is it?
A3: people assume and judge, especially with males working with children in community centres. https://t.co/x8oj0AoL3J
Can't you get the dog to eat it instead? Then you can stay here :)
But spaces for whole schools probably need either dedicated T or many on board
A3 getting permission for a space as I don't have any in our room. I like the under a tree idea!!
I have a carry on case with wheels - feel like an air hostess!
A3) If we did have one, it would be a) where to put it? b) which staff member takes care of it? and c) where to get resources
Makerspaces [as I get them] involve creation, a messy business.
Always loved making things with sts. Is it just a name for the space where this happens? Is agency implied?
Q3 School management r biggeest barrier in my experience. Non creative, non critical thinking.
I think everything is open 2 interpretation. 1 makerspace will be diff from every other 1
Mine too. I think we're doing this without knowing that we are doing this. https://t.co/FPyfJdPLWB
Thanks for this! I think my brain needed a succinct definition!
A2 any area which allows students either indiviually or as a group produce something
A3 space!!! I don't have a store room. Storing makerspace materials takes up valuable classroom real estate that I don't have
Yes! And it's really just me until others see it being awesome
A makerspace can b anywhere. Doesn`t have to be site specific. I set up one and we moved around each week.
I don't have a 3D printer (never used one) - though will at next school in T4
TT NEW ZEALAND 21:27
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6.Colin Craig
7.Suffrage Day
A3Culture of a school @ hw it values creative thought/innovation vs std testing/traditional delivery has huge impact 19/9/16
So the cardboard box construction area is a type of makerspace then?
Yeah, but if you share it, they will see the value with the high engagement
ohhh! Exciting- let me know how it goes
A3a I design for clinicians [& others]. meshes well with in that you use what you gots
Same- lack of room but determined to cook something up over hols
Still a bit confused - is a makerspace structured learning, fits curriculum, or creative, unstructured play & learning?
always find that is a must - parents & Ts always happy to donate!
She wants to do it. I am not going to complain.
can always start w/ just recyclables & other cheap things. Even things like copper tape & LEDs R cheap
That's true its a universal winner isn't it?
Amazing! Have wanted one of those for a while
A3b I guess it gets down to how functional does a prototype have to be? If it gets Ss up & moving, collaborating & making..
as a food teacher, your preaching to the choir there! Mess is my life! Cleaning it up though…there’s growth needed.
Absolutely! So many things you can do with that
So craft corner is Makerspace or do we need to be more tech
When you see the NZ Herald Article: Canadian Teacher Burns Down School, you'll know...
Not quite A3, just a general Q about - what do you do with the stuff the kids make? do they take it home? displays?
it can be both? Fastmoving tech = no gatekeeper?
ok, we may need to talk... am working on website for to share ideas...
This is the same for passing copyright/IP policy. Mgmt/bot are the worse. They have no idea. https://t.co/obDpQwLJHV
Q3 School management r biggeest barrier in my experience. Non creative, non critical thinking.
A3. Teachers able to maintain is key otherwise can be a barrier.
A4 When Ls have more choice, their engagement goes up, hands on activities are fun, exciting & creative
Ha ha, yes - then we'll be able to discuss your demise on
Got the lego so need just bases to put on the wall somewhere..
we programmed a modem. Made into a portable wifi using open source docs. Sts loved it. Completely functional.
it's optional - I get students who do craft and those who collab on minecraft etc..
It is a makerspace, can add tech though...
A4 adv: they get to see their ideas come to life and disadv: using resources and not really creating anything
I have so much Lego. Something like 10,000 pieces in class
A4 the benefits are that it allows for problems with many solutions for Ss to work through & be innovative
Take it home proudly https://t.co/OZ1huFdHJc
Not quite A3, just a general Q about - what do you do with the stuff the kids make? do they take it home? displays?
A4 the main drawback is that it can often take longer than you think
A4: Benefits - creative solutions come from unexpected sources. Innovative thinking. Disadvantages: Cost. Waste. Timeframes.
Wow that's an amazing amount the kids must love it.
makerspaces best 2 participate in community based problems, like water quality. Then proceed by designing a solution.
A4. If students have choice they are more engaged and therefore make progress with learning
I have Ss who produce some great projects with redstone in
Sorry - can't stay awake. I will read your great discussion with great interest in the morning.
Thanks! Will have a good look at that later
See how is trending at current? No pressure...
donations mostly - call out to Ps, Ts & Ss
No problem if I can help with either of you in anything please let us know.
begin with a problem. The answer drives the learning and solution.
A4: Often less choice leads to more innovative thinking and constraints sometimes help rather than hinder. Divergent thinking
The stuff they make is amazing. Though v sad I'm leaving this wk
That would be so helpful!
All my own. I'm a big kid at heart :)
yes. You got it. Makes a great project for teens and older.
Thanks . Have to run! Will try and hang for longer next week. Enjoyed the conversation!
I would go with unstructured learn and play that may develop into something https://t.co/oLrcuamG5i
Still a bit confused - is a makerspace structured learning, fits curriculum, or creative, unstructured play & learning?
Only having a hour at a time with a class is the big one for me
Ah you know, always happy to help out if I can.
A4 dis is mostly finding the equip & adv non construction allow Ss to be truly innovative!
That's the plan, hard 2 find time 2 work on it, will B looking 4 collaborators soon
That's greatly appreciated!
A4: just think if someone said to Leonardo de Vinci "you can't make that!"
A4a This, basically. It’s telling kids/parents/peers we care enough about learning to change it up.. https://t.co/l2he2nQlCw
Or: "You need to go to your guided reading group now...."
A4: Ss enjoy it more if they can choose what they want to create. You want them to enjoy themselves https://t.co/EhRtmEs8xf
q4 I see makerspaces as collaborative learning spaces. Learning is process. Not the product.
A5 There should be a mix. Ls need some front loading, but most of the time they shd have chances to safely explore
All of the above. Probably starts as unstructured play, but Ls will find ways to support learning in it
i feel that`s imperative. They must decide.
Love that! Learning is a process not a product! Nice!!
A5 only give direction when asked for. creativity reason for makerspace-too easily stifled w direction - throw out rulebook
A5: I let the direction come from the Ss and then try and see if it's possible
A4c has some ideas there. Students identify and negotiate a project’s value. Does it do what you said it would?
not a lot of direction but help when required
I think that is the ultimate goal (in my mind), but start w/ small problems at young age build skills
Makes me wish the world of VET was a bit more flexible. All very focused on assessment outcomes.
very little. It is a participatory decision making process. Self directed design. Ownership - very important.
A5 as little as possible, have a open question or problem that Ss find a solution to with a bit of prior work
Honestly, I think makerspaces help improve outcomes, would love to see research on it
A5: Depends. Student input is imperative, but it's good to start them off with something and build from there.
A5 thinking of posters/vids initially to get kids clued in what the space is about??? Interested in how others kicked off!!
yeah, the great shame of education today. Trying to standardise for the sake of a pass mark.
Totally agree! Need to get Ls thinking about solutions and how o make them realities
Had teacher in high school that would let me take apart comps at lunchtime. Good times. https://t.co/dolrigNMzc
A1 at the moment most popular makerbreakerspace taking things to bits to see what makes them work
A5. It depends on your learners. Some need more direction than others. Some need choice. You need to know your Ss
Reality is we ask Ss for so much of their time 2 learn curriculum. is about giving back to their creativity 4 lng
Agreed, though for some things, Ls don't know where to start. We can point them that way
TT NEW ZEALAND 21:47
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6.Colin Craig
7.Suffrage Day
A5a Enough direction so no one dies.
Making is also unmaking! Important part of it, I think
My question exactly. How do we get started??
I've seen the most creative students look lost at times. Sometimes it's ok to build with instructions. Gives them choice.
critical thinking skills. No limits. No barriers. No parameters. Very creative.
Yes! A million times over! Definitely can satisfy curriculum with
Oh, oh. I see a trip to the local tip recycling shop over the hols
It's more that Voc Training is industry focused so learning outcomes don't leave much room for play
got to appreciate Stuart doing a double shift, Melb +
lost is good. I like lost. It`s the beginning of the creative process.
taken apart laptop, paper shredder, ohp, clock, radio. Used screwdrivers, cutters - excited Ss
Is there such a thing?? Ooohhhh!!
Small challenges (what can U make w/ cardboard?) Will try to share more ideas on in future
Lots of businesses throwing out old servers nowadays. Good for teaching sysadmin https://t.co/jApR616toz
Oh, oh. I see a trip to the local tip recycling shop over the hols
It is in most cases. I have seen some students despondent because of it too. Tinkering should be fun.
A6 I'm starting at new school T4. Will try to share what I know and learn from them - will prob try the 3D printer
That is definitely being planned. Lots in the background happening :)
Kids need to know that's a place of potential and opportunity
A6. I am going to start using the term
A6 find a space and call for donations from Ps and time from other Ts
A6. I am going to share progress with you guys on here
There is in Wellington- lots of stuff that can be thinkered with : )
just follow and things will be announced there (or on our FB group of same name)
Me too! Donations a fab idea :)
Ha! Yeah, that is important
new school next year. Open curriculum. Holistic based. Combine nature, art, code and language.
We're thinking of getting a 3D printer. Any tips?
Would love to be in Wellington 😃 In Brissie but sure there is similar!
A6: attend more confs like , run workshops on compsci/web dev for teachers, pass cc policy. https://t.co/rSiAVFDJcn
I wish I had caught this chat!! Looked fantastic! I will have to read over the notes!!
A6b in video n pictures is my . It came to me at an that kids see things different cuz of height
A6c Flying cameras give me a different perspective on the usual. This is as specific as I can get with this idea..
I'll let you know in about a month. No idea how to use one now, but was told today I will need to :)
A6 follow up on the offer of old photocopiers to take apart then see what Ss can do with assorted bits
still got time to answer the questions. The more the better!
Thank you , & & for a cool chat..
Good to know we've been helpful!
Absolutely. I think that there is a need for some structure to make those that need it safe to try new things.
Brother is an old edtech tinkerer- will have to hit him up to donate toa good cause
good idea. Recycling projects. Art. Language. Duchamp.
Thanks for helping me understand . Great chat again
Thanks Really have to go.
there's bound to be something
