5 Steps to Create A Maker-Friendly School

Making schools more maker-friendly is vital for the digital transformation of learning. According to the research, maker-friendly learning environments increase engagement, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills. They also help foster an understanding of how technology, hardware, software, and digital processes can be used to create new digital products and services. Furthermore, maker-friendly environments also help children develop digital citizenship skills, such as digital literacy and internet safety. Finally, most makers learn best when engaged in hands-on projects that encourage exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving.

Define your maker goals

The first step in creating a maker-friendly environment is identifying your maker goals. For example, you might decide to increase your school’s maker population. Or you might want to boost your school’s maker retention rate, which refers to the percentage of students still being involved in the maker community after graduation. Another key maker goal might be to help makers of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience create a project that demonstrates digital citizenship skills. For example, you might decide to encourage makers in middle school to engage in project-based learning that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving.

Choose your tools wisely.

When building a maker culture in your school, you’ll need the right tools. Among the most important of these is a maker curriculum. A maker curriculum is a set of courses, activities, and experiences that helps your students explore the maker mindset and create meaningful projects. A maker curriculum also acts as a foundation for any maker learning activities you plan to offer in your classroom. For example, a maker curriculum might include an introductory course on computer programming. You are using this computer programming course as a framework for hands-on maker activities such as building a robot. The tools that make up a maker curriculum can vary depending on the needs of your learners. For example, you might use a digital fabrication tool such as a 3D printer in your maker curriculum. You can then use this digital fabrication tool as the basis for a Digital Fabrication class that you offer to your students.

Form Maker Networks in Your Community

Make use of the community network near your school.

One of the best ways to create a maker-friendly environment is to form maker networks. A maker network is a collection of individuals who are passionate about making. These networks can help you find local makers, support each other in your projects, and share best practices for running a maker activity. You can create your local maker network by reaching out to makers who share your interests and hobbies. You can also reach out to potential network members by posting on forums, blogs, and other social media sites dedicated to makers.

Make learning experiences that encourage makers.

When deciding what kinds of projects to offer in your maker environment, remember that the project is just one part of the equation. In addition to the project itself, you also need to consider the context in which the project is created. For example, project-based learning activities tend to be more engaging when embedded in a project-based curriculum. An excellent way to create learning experiences that encourage makers is to use maker activities as daily classroom activities. Maker activities can be as simple as asking, “What questions do you have about technology?” Or you can use a maker activity to explore the complex nature of technology and its role in society.

Conclusion

Like any new technology, maker spaces need to be introduced, integrated, trained, and supported within schools. However, the potential benefits, the interest of the students, and the need to make the transition from analogue to digital learning will make this transition easier. Your school can become a more maker-friendly environment by following these five steps. There’s no doubt that making is the next big thing. With the growing popularity of maker spaces and the widespread availability of 3D printers, there will be a significant increase in the number of people who want to learn how to use these technologies. As makers, we have the opportunity to show others how to make and where they can make it. With the proper training, supports, and tools, you can help educators transform their schools by making them more maker-friendly.