A 'Maker Education' centred Library Learning Commons
A 'Maker Education' centred Library Learning Commons
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MakerEd in the LLC...
MakerEd in the LLC...
The spaces I have developed in partnership with my colleagues are always striving to create and support collaborative, creative, flexible inquiry-based 'Future Ready Peel | MakerEd' library learning commons rooted in the 'Maker-Mindset'. These 'MakerSpaces' are adaptable to the environment in which they are built, and deliver programming that features a combination of guided inquiry, design thinking & constructionism in terms of the pedagogical approach used when collaborating with classroom teachers. It is hoped that these spaces will help students innovate and discover new ideas on STEM pathways while asking deep questions, as well as help transform traditional educational practices.
The spaces I have developed in partnership with my colleagues are always striving to create and support collaborative, creative, flexible inquiry-based 'Future Ready Peel | MakerEd' library learning commons rooted in the 'Maker-Mindset'. These 'MakerSpaces' are adaptable to the environment in which they are built, and deliver programming that features a combination of guided inquiry, design thinking & constructionism in terms of the pedagogical approach used when collaborating with classroom teachers. It is hoped that these spaces will help students innovate and discover new ideas on STEM pathways while asking deep questions, as well as help transform traditional educational practices.
This is the 'MakerEd / Guided Inquiry' Model For Learning that we developed to help students understand that questions are more important than the answers. The model helps learners understand the cyclical nature of discovering new ideas. Discoveries often lead to new questions, and these questions can be the result of successes or failures. Built around the 'O.L.A. T4L - Guided Inquiry Model', it helps all students to determine their entry point to the inquiry process quickly and in simple language. It has proven quite effective with primary, junior and intermediate grades.
Most recent physical MakerSpace...
Most recent physical MakerSpace...
Arnott Charlton LLC & MakerLab - This flexible makerspace at the ACPS library learning commons at the Peel District School Board supports the 'Maker-Mindset', and encourages students to be producers rather than simply consumers in this digital age. It allows for fluid movement between resources when using the 'MakerEd Inquiry Model', when collaborating with a skilled 'MegaMaker' student mentor or when a 'Maker Spark' ignites creativity. Resources available as part of the school inventory or Mr Schuermann's inventory include;
Arnott Charlton LLC & MakerLab - This flexible makerspace at the ACPS library learning commons at the Peel District School Board supports the 'Maker-Mindset', and encourages students to be producers rather than simply consumers in this digital age. It allows for fluid movement between resources when using the 'MakerEd Inquiry Model', when collaborating with a skilled 'MegaMaker' student mentor or when a 'Maker Spark' ignites creativity. Resources available as part of the school inventory or Mr Schuermann's inventory include;
LittleBits Kits [magnetic prototyping modules]
3D Modelling/Printing [Dremel DigiLab printer with PLA, using Autodesk’s TinkerCad software, Origami, Strawbees]
Textiles [A Sewing machine, knitting/crochet equipment, wearable Origami, LilyPad Arduino components with conductive thread, LEDs, various fasteners, Cobbler Iron Shoe Casts, Leatherwork]
Robots & Microcontrollers [Lego Spike Prime kits, Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits, Ozobot Bit, Wonder Workshop Dash, BBC Micro:Bit]
Chroma Key Studio [Green Screen, green sheets and clothing for creative filming, Apple Tech for editing]
Podcasting Equipment [Shure and RODE]
D&T [MakeDo cardboard tools, Cutting/Sawing/Drilling wood tools, wood and other building materials, glue guns, measurement tools, clamps/vices, nails and hammers, miter boxes]
The space features signage that offers consistency and purpose. Signs are filled with maker prompts, safety information, exemplars and 'Growth Mindset' quotes. If not fully outlined on a sign, internet links are offered via QR code for guidance.
The space features signage that offers consistency and purpose. Signs are filled with maker prompts, safety information, exemplars and 'Growth Mindset' quotes. If not fully outlined on a sign, internet links are offered via QR code for guidance.
Our LLC utilizes a 3:1 class set of iPads, a few MS PCs [CAD, Book Catalogue, Databases, Minecraft] and four miniMACs [supports video editing, general login collaboration machines].
Our LLC utilizes a 3:1 class set of iPads, a few MS PCs [CAD, Book Catalogue, Databases, Minecraft] and four miniMACs [supports video editing, general login collaboration machines].
Common software includes Scratch, Scratch JR, Minecraft Education, Apple Clips, Apple iMovie, Apple Garageband, TinkerCAD, Apple Swift.
Past Physical, Modern Learning Environments for 'Maker Education'...
Past Physical, Modern Learning Environments for 'Maker Education'...
Aylesbury LLC & MakerLab - This dedicated 'MakerLab' in the Aylesbury Public School library learning commons supports our school wide 'Maker-Mindset', and encourages students to be producers rather than simply consumers in this digital age. It allows for fluid movement between resources when using the 'MakerEd Inquiry Model' or when a 'Maker Spark' ignites. When planning and opening the space in 2015, the 'Maker Stations' included;
Aylesbury LLC & MakerLab - This dedicated 'MakerLab' in the Aylesbury Public School library learning commons supports our school wide 'Maker-Mindset', and encourages students to be producers rather than simply consumers in this digital age. It allows for fluid movement between resources when using the 'MakerEd Inquiry Model' or when a 'Maker Spark' ignites. When planning and opening the space in 2015, the 'Maker Stations' included;
LittleBits ‘Pro Library’ [magnetic prototyping modules, 'Droid Kit' frames, incorporate Makey-Makey and Arduino components, on a mobile wall for flexibility]
3D Modelling/Printing [XYZ Juniors with PLA, using Autodesk’s 'Project Ignite/TinkerCad' software, Origami]
Textiles [Sewing machines, knitting/crochet equipment, wearable Origami, LilyPad Arduino components with conductive thread, LEDs, various fasteners, Cobbler Iron Shoe Casts, Leatherwork]
Virtual Reality [Google Cardboard headsets, CoSpaces software to build environments, LEAP Motion Controller for a kinetic interface]
CODE [Google’s CS First Scratch modules, BBC MicroBit, Raspberry PI, Ardunio, Scratch Junior and CODE.org's VPL for primary students]
Robots [Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits, VEX iQ, Ozobot Bit, Sphero SPRK 2 with SparkLab software, FP Code-A-Pillars for very young students to provide a tactile coding interface]
Chroma Key Studio [Green Screen, DSLR camera with directional mic, 3 point lighting kit, green sheets and clothing for creative filming, Apple Tech for editing]
Rube Goldberg Wall [Peg board with variety of hooks and pegs, good supply of pulleys/heavy string/cardboard]
LEGO wall [Large based plates fixed and spaced on a mobile wall, creative brainstorming with math connections, how-to guide available on requested]
D&T [Cutting/Sawing/Drilling tools, wood and other building materials, glue guns, measurement tools, clamps/vices, nails and hammers, miter boxes]
Minecraft [PE or PC based, build and run a virtual LLC with different areas based on subjects to construct and display co-created environments]
MasterMaker Badges [A display of students who act as instructional contributors or coaches for classes within our school. Students that have been awarded badges have displayed proficiency with a Maker skill, such as the stations listed above]
The space features signage that offers consistency and purpose. Signs are filled with maker prompts, safety information, exemplars and 'Growth Mindset' quotes. If not fully outlined on a sign, internet links are offered via QR code.
The space features signage that offers consistency and purpose. Signs are filled with maker prompts, safety information, exemplars and 'Growth Mindset' quotes. If not fully outlined on a sign, internet links are offered via QR code.
Our LLC utilized a 2:1 class set of iPad Minis and MS laptops. We had a smaller inventory of iPods [supports VR], RaspberryPis [Coding, breadboard] and Apple miniMACs [supports video editing, general login collaboration machines].
Our LLC utilized a 2:1 class set of iPad Minis and MS laptops. We had a smaller inventory of iPods [supports VR], RaspberryPis [Coding, breadboard] and Apple miniMACs [supports video editing, general login collaboration machines].
To learn more about specific parts of the Aylesbury PS LLC through a visual guide, click below...
MakerEd Mobile Carts - These carts at Champlain Trail PS, Aylesbury PS & from the central support Peel DSB modern learning team are periodically created to assist a grade team who has embraced the 'Maker-Mindset' as part of their daily professional practice and can be moved between classrooms. The portable work-site trunk is filled with LEGO, yarn, wood, origami paper, Sphero robots, DC motors, safety goggles and a variety of other maker supplies for student use. The lid is covered with 'QR coded maker prompts' for students to access via tablets. When first opening the trunk, teacher's remove the top tray which is filled with more sophisticated tools and maker-inspired KidLit titles [Computer Sciences books, Easy Fiction 'Spark' picture books].
Champlain Trail Public School MakerEd LLC. It was created and was operational in late 2014, and was transitioned from a traditional library. The journey was documented in a digital story through STORIFY at the time which has since gone dark. The space is documented in the Ontario Library Association magazine - tinyurl.com/schuermann-ola . Contact Mr. Schuermann for more information.
Professional Practice
Professional Practice
We consistently seek out opportunities to collaborate on planning and delivering innovative units that utilize a combination of traditional and state-of-the-art LLC resources. Beyond these day-to-day operations, there are several LLC support teams that I have founded/co-founded which help steer programming, as well as develop hard skills and soft skills essential for modern learning. Three of these MakerEd support teams are outlined below;
We consistently seek out opportunities to collaborate on planning and delivering innovative units that utilize a combination of traditional and state-of-the-art LLC resources. Beyond these day-to-day operations, there are several LLC support teams that I have founded/co-founded which help steer programming, as well as develop hard skills and soft skills essential for modern learning. Three of these MakerEd support teams are outlined below;
MegaBrights
MegaBrights
A girls equity and empowerment team that focuses on creative use of innovative and traditional technologies to 'invent for good' and combat oppression.
This group of Grade 4/5/6/7/8 students work primarily, but not exclusively with LittleBits, robots, LilyPad e-Textiles, Scratch coding, and 3D printing/modelling. Google's MadeWithCode initiative guides much of their adventures. The team competes in SkillsCanada, Girls Who Game, Technovation & OSEA eSports challenges.
The Caped Crusaders
The Caped Crusaders
A mixed gender team working with visual literacy titles and digital media for more then 10 years.
This group of grade 4/5/6 students work with a variety of graphic novel titles to create podcasts, Minecraft worlds, mini-comics, digital GN reviews and 'Chroma Key' video productions. In addition, the students run a large-scale, EPIC annual literacy event called the -=Kryptonite Kup=-.
Gobots
Gobots
A mixed gender team of robot makers from grade 4 to grade 8.
This STEM group builds and programs primarily, but not exclusively with the Lego Mindstorms NXT and EV3 systems. The team competes in World Robotic Olympiad, SkillsCanada, CETApeel and First Lego League challenges. In 2016, our ECHO squad placed 3rd at Canadian Nationals in Montreal for the WRO which was an amazing accomplishment.
No matter which group we were working with, myself and my colleagues have worked to implement an 'invent for good' stance while using progressive models of learning. The UN Global Goals have proven to be an effective tool to help direct learning towards a positive impact or 'call to action' connected to local or global ideas and/or social justice concerns.
We have 'HARD FUN' & get into 'GOOD TROUBLE' while we 'LEARN BY DOING'.
We have 'HARD FUN' & get into 'GOOD TROUBLE' while we 'LEARN BY DOING'.
Papert | Lewis | Piaget
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