My district has been all over Participatory Learning for several years now and when I first saw Makerspaces I thought, oh, yes, perfect. Our libraries already have a rudimentary beginning for this and what’s not to like about a DIY space?
“Makerspaces come in all shapes and sizes, but they all serve as a gathering point for tools, projects, mentors and expertise. A collection of tools does not define a Makerspace. Rather, we define it by what it enables: making.” From Makerspace Playbook
Makerspace as in create, build, design bring to life an idea. Not digital 21st or web 3.0 tools, but real tools like my dad had in his workroom.
Not sure what to do or how to start? Download the Makerspace Playbook and get started!
With our new STEAM Academy, makerspace-like areas will be the norm, but why can’t an area in our libraries become a niche space for collaborative hands-on projects? We need places where the 8 or 18-year-old student can teach not only classmates but also the teacher.
This is a pivotal time for our libraries to stand up and reshape the old notions of what can or cannot be done while in the library. I say, bring on the tools…my dad would be proud!
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