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Transformative learning spaces, which are often referred to as learning labs, makerspaces, and/or fablabs (along with other name variations), have become increasingly popular within the last five years in private and public institutions, including both libraries and schools.
In school libraries, they are many different types of makerspaces depending on the different age groups and school environments, but almost all usually focus on generating STEAM and 21st century learning skills for students while adhering to the Common Core Standards (for states that this applies). Currently, school libraries are where a majority of the information on makerspaces in libraries is dedicated to, especially practitioner and blog articles. This is most likely due to President Barak Obama's call that we, as a nation, need to “create an all-hands-on-deck approach to science, technology, engineering, and math... We need to make this a priority to train an army of new teachers in these subject areas, and to make sure that all of us as a country are lifting up these subjects for the respect that they deserve” (White House, n.d.). This means that school library makerspaces have really become the forefront of the movement currently for practitioners, but unfortunately not researchers. Therefore, it is very important that you read as many research papers and studies to better prepare yourself for questions when you are called to defend your proposal for a makerspace. Please look at both the research and RI school curriculum sections to find justifications for your school library makerspace. |
Supporters of Makerspaces:
White House"Empowering students and adults to create, innovate, tinker, and make their ideas and solutions into reality is at the heart of the Maker Movement. Since the first-ever White House Maker Faire, the White House has continued to support opportunities for students to learn about STEM through making, expand the resources available for maker entrepreneurs, and foster the development of advanced manufacturing in the U.S" (White House, n.d.). |
American Library Association (ALA)"Makerspaces are enabling libraries to transform their relationship with communities and to empower community members of all ages to be creators of information, not just consumers" (ALA, 2014). |
Rhode Island's Computer Science for All Rhode Island"Our kids deserve the best opportunities in the 21st century tech-driven economy, so we need to do everything we can to help them get ahead by developing the skills that matter...Part of turning our economy around and creating jobs is making sure every student, at every level, has access to the new basic skill: computer science. Thanks to the partners we have assembled for this initiative, I know we can achieve this goal" (Office of the Governor, 2016). |