The Maker Movement is all about “learning by doing.” But DIY doesn’t mean learning alone — the Maker Movement has also been embraced by educators who seek to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and the arts. Hands-on “maker education” — training in the tools and techniques of electronics and engineering, 3D design and digital fabrication, and traditional craft skills — has become a star attraction at institutions of higher learning and facilities for making and integrated curricula that promote “learning by doing” in-demand features of universities, community colleges, and other post-secondary institutions around the world.
We want to learn more about the maker resources that are available to the campus community at your institution. What qualities of your institution do you as administrators, educators, students (former or current), and makers think make it a great place for maker education? And what institutions—beyond your own—do you see as exemplary “maker schools?”
To frame these questions, we have defined some of the central qualities that a “maker school” has, but is not limited to:
- Integrated learning through doing orientation
- Mentoring / guidance / coaching for making
- Physical makerspaces / fablabs / workshops / studios
- Accessible tools that support collaborative projects
- An active, diverse community of makers
This survey should take 10 minutes or less to complete. If you run into any trouble, have a question, or would like to share further resources, please contact us at community@make.co.