This article explores the relationship between edtech and the maker movement. It delves into how the maker movement has evolved and how it is being embraced by educators to enhance student learning through ed-tech. The article highlights various ed-tech tools and platforms that are being used to support the maker movement and how educators can integrate them into their classrooms.
The maker movement has gained significant popularity in recent years. It is a movement that encourages individuals to create, build, and invent using various tools and materials.
The maker movement is not limited to any particular field but is rather a cross-disciplinary movement that involves various areas such as electronics, robotics, and crafts.
The maker movement has its roots in DIY culture, but it has evolved into a movement that is focused on innovation and creativity.
As the maker movement continues to grow, it has become increasingly integrated into education. Many educators are embracing the maker movement as a way to engage students in learning and to promote innovation and creativity.
The Evolution of the Maker Movement
The maker movement has its roots in the DIY culture of the 1960s and 70s, but it wasn’t until the advent of the internet and the rise of digital technologies that the movement began to take shape. The emergence of digital technologies enabled makers to create and share their creations with a wider audience, and this helped to fuel the growth of the movement.
Over the years, the maker movement has evolved to encompass a wide range of areas, including electronics, robotics, 3D printing, and crafts. The movement has also grown to include maker spaces, which are collaborative workspaces where makers can come together to share resources and ideas.
Edtech and the Maker Movement
Edtech has played a significant role in supporting the maker movement in education. There are several ed-tech tools and platforms that educators can use to support the maker movement in their classrooms.
One such tool is Tinkercad, which is a 3D design tool that allows students to create 3D models using a simple drag-and-drop interface. Tinkercad is a great tool for introducing students to 3D design and printing, and it is also a great tool for more advanced students who want to create more complex models.
Another ed-tech tool that is being used to support the maker movement is Arduino. Arduino is an open-source electronics platform that allows students to create interactive projects using a simple programming language. Arduino is a great tool for introducing students to electronics and programming, and it can be used to create a wide range of projects, including robots, sensors, and interactive installations.
In addition to these tools, there are also several edtech platforms that are designed to support the maker movement in education. One such platform is Makey Makey, which is a simple circuit board that allows students to turn everyday objects into touchpads.
Makey Makey is a great tool for introducing students to electronics and programming, and it can be used to create a wide range of projects, including musical instruments and games.
Integrating Edtech and the Maker Movement
Integrating edtech and the maker movement in the classroom can be a powerful way to engage students in learning and promote creativity and innovation.
One way to integrate ed-tech and the maker movement is to create maker spaces in the classroom. Makerspaces are collaborative workspaces where students can come together to share resources and ideas and work on projects. Another way to integrate edtech and the maker movement is to incorporate project-based learning into the curriculum.
Project-based learning is a teaching method that involves students working on projects that are relevant to their interests and that allow them to apply what they have learned in a hands-on way. This approach to learning is well-suited to the maker movement, as it encourages students to create and build, and it allows them to take ownership of their learning.
To incorporate project-based learning into the classroom, educators can provide students with open-ended design challenges that require them to use various tools and materials to create a solution.
For example, students might be asked to design and build a bridge that can support a certain amount of weight, or they might be asked to create a robot that can navigate an obstacle course. These types of challenges encourage students to think creatively and apply their knowledge in a practical way.
Assessing Learning in the Maker Movement
Assessing learning in the maker movement can be challenging, as traditional assessment methods may not always be well-suited to this type of learning. However, there are several ways that educators can assess learning in the maker movement.
One approach is to use formative assessment methods, such as observation and feedback. By observing students as they work on their projects, educators can gain insight into their understanding of the material and provide feedback that helps them to improve their work.
Another approach is to use performance assessments, such as portfolios and project presentations. These types of assessments allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the material and their ability to apply it in a practical way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the maker movement and edtech are two powerful forces in education that can be combined to enhance student learning. Edtech tools and platforms provide students with the tools they need to create and build, while the maker movement promotes creativity and innovation.
By integrating edtech and the maker movement into the classroom, educators can engage students in learning and provide them with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
As the maker movement continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovative approaches to integrating edtech and the maker movement in education.