Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
International Journal of Designs for Learning
Volume
8
Issue
1
Publisher
Association for Educational Communications and Technology
Publication Date
6-24-2017
First Page
39
Last Page
51
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Abstract
This paper presents the ongoing design, development, and implementation of a K-16 maker movement centered around a joint public school/university library whose minimal dedicated space has expanded opportunities for public participation, partnerships, and shared resources. As the library sought to circulate STEM resources for K-9 teachers and students in 2011, University instructors were seeking opportunities for preservice teachers to interact meaningfully with authentic, technology-rich environments. These separate endeavors coalesced over time to form a robust community of various school, university, and public stakeholders focused on mathematics and science learning. Because the space was not bound to a single physical location, proponents were able to leverage various resources, mobile tools, and settings to explore and apply STEM knowledge, construct products, and attract new and returning users. This design case articulates how the maker movement provides curricular programming while maintaining a playful atmosphere that encourages personal exploration regardless of age and ability.
Recommended Citation
Shepherd, C. E., Kvenild, C., Smith, S. M., Buss, A. (2017). The Unspace Case: Developing a Maker Movement in a Multipurpose, Flexible Space, Library Setting. International Journal of Designs for Learning.
