3D Printers & Maker Spaces. 3D printers and Maker Spaces are officially “cool” in library circles at the moment. A whole new website, Maker Librarian, was launched just this week. Senior people are talking about them for big cities libraries and I am aware of at least one that has been purchased. So, I was delighted when, after I had written an article about 3D printers, a real Maker Space library expert got in touch and agreed to share his experiences. Here, then, is an interview with someone with a lot to say about how, why (and also, in some cases, why not) UK public libraries should be interested. Michael Groenendyk has an educational background in both computer science and English literature. How would you define a “Maker Space”? I like using a simple definition for Maker Spaces: “A shared work area where people build things collaboratively.”
“A shared work area where people build things collaboratively.” Why do you think public libraries a natural space for them? Any disadvantages? Getting to Know the Makerspace Movement in Education. I've been increasingly interested in learning more about the Makerspace Movement as a teaching and learning tool. Technology can certainly play a part in being a “Maker” as a student in a classroom, but it doesn't necessarily have to. But even when it doesn't, it fits right in with concepts like Active Learning and Project Based Learning that we love to explore here (these can also use tech, but do not have to).
Today's post from guest writer James Broadbean gives us a good overview of this growing trend in today's innovative teaching practices. – KW Have the children of today lost the ability to create and invent? Part of the trending ‘DIY Culture’, the ‘Maker’ subculture refers to the ideology of cutting out the middleman and creating your own product or idea which can then be shared or improved upon. Image Source: Making Space for Makers in Education Resources to Learn More. Makerspace for Education - Home. Makerspace | Creating a space for young makers and educators.