In my early writing for this course, I explored the
Makerspace movement and examined David Loertscher’s UTEC Maker Model and its usefulness
in fostering the NCTE’s 21st Century literacies. I was intrigued by
Loertscher’s presentation of the Virtual Makerspace – a digital manifestation
of the physical Makerspace and a unique take on the typical STE(A)M content of the Makerspace.
So, what’s a Virtual Makerspace? The Virtual Makerspace
is a webmix of websites, webtools and web-based programs curated to launch
students into the deep learning of creating and producing innovative designs in
a virtual format. This may look like using GarageBand to produce new music and experiment
with new sounds, or CodeMonkey.org to design a video game or stitchfiddle.com
to invent crochet patterns for innovative physical creations. Useful links are
stored in an online organization tool and curated for particular contexts.
My proposed project is to a create a Virtual Makerspace page, full of
online resources, links, projects and tools that can be linked any LLC homepage
as an enrichment and extension to their existing physical programming. The
target audience is, first and foremost, the students who will be using the
tools. Loercher et al. encourage a ‘build it with them’ (2015) mentality that
invites makers into the process of curating the collection of online resources
that will be most relevant to them. However this page is also designed as a
one-stop shop for useful digital tech tools for teachers and TLs desiring
transformational integration of technology and challenging project creations. I'm considering sharing this with other TLs in the district to see what they think about it. I have a good relationship with our district librarian, perhaps I will show it to her and see what she thinks of it!
I want it to be easy to access so that I (or other teachers) can simply link to it and let students get running without intense training, tools or teaching. I regularly struggle to find ways to meaningfully integrate technology into my classroom lessons and a tool such as this could be helpful at inviting students to regularly engage with technology as a core tool for new learning. Also, a Virtual Makerspace provides another rich option for students looking beyond traditional Maker activities such as robotics and crafts.
I want it to be easy to access so that I (or other teachers) can simply link to it and let students get running without intense training, tools or teaching. I regularly struggle to find ways to meaningfully integrate technology into my classroom lessons and a tool such as this could be helpful at inviting students to regularly engage with technology as a core tool for new learning. Also, a Virtual Makerspace provides another rich option for students looking beyond traditional Maker activities such as robotics and crafts.
Two organization tools I have seen used are Symbaloo and this custom tab-style organization tool from Upper Canada District School Board.
Loertscher et al. use and recommend the Symbaloo style, and I like the colourful,
playful appearance of the application. I will seek to curate an innovative webmix
(think 50-70 links) of websites, resources and webtools that support Maker philosophy
and encourage student innovation.
Some questions I’m still working on:
- Target audience: high school? Elementary? I have yet to pin down my specific target group. Maybe I make two - although that might be overreaching?
- Presentation: I don’t know if I should just create a Symbaloo file and link it to my blog or should I create a whole new website?
- Sharing: How can I share this website? Is it just a link I email to schools? Does this need to come with an instructional video? Or can the page speak for itself? Is there a way students can publish their work to share with others? Is there such thing as a virtual show-and-tell page?
Resources
; Bowie
SAMR Model. Retrieved from: https://sites.google.com/a/msad60.org/technology-is-learning/samr-model
NCTE Definition of 21st Century literacies Retrieved from: http://www2.ncte.org/statement/21stcentdefinition/
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI had a very similar vision for my project! Having focused on makerspace as well I wanted to incorporate elements of inquiry, exploring and building as well as literacy, the promotion of reading and differentiated learning. As for my target audience I was having a hard time with this. I want to incorporate students, teacher, and parents so do I provide separate symbaloo pages for different audiences? Do I have one that has different sections for everyone? I am still new to symabloo so Im not even sure if I can have separate tabs within one page? I am thankful you have a similar vision. I will be turing to you in hopes of inspiration and trouble shoot issues haha!
Also a virtual show and tell page is an amazing idea. I wonder if something like this exists? I've just seen individual school websites that showcase students work. I managed to find a website that showcases the works of an entire district!I have attached the URL https://elibrary.sd61.bc.ca/
Katilin! This is so fun! I can't wait to share ideas! I too feel that I have yet to figure out all the details of my final product - audience, sharing etc...so I'm keen to keep in touch and see if we can find some innovative ways to get this set up. I'll send you a note and we can talk more!
DeleteWell done brainstorming post for your future vision of the future. Your evidence based discussion and description was very helpful and so happy to see you base this on David's work. Your ideas are sound, your approaches valid and your goals appropriate. I think this project will prove to be very valuable and useful to others. Good questions and thinking for your next steps.
ReplyDeleteThis is an abitious project and I know I for one would love to link something like what you are about to create to my own school's LLC website. I think the input from the district librarian will be super helpful!
ReplyDelete