Maker Education

In a way…

… it is all of these things...

… yet none of these things

3D printers

Lasercutters

Circuitry

Complex programming

Keep up with latest toys

Maker Education (as commercially advertised)

Tech-centric vs. student-centric

Significant costs = inequitable access

Significant time investment → small returns in learning

Unrealistic expectations from teachers

(a.k.a. - have you gotten your new iron-smelting certification?)

Honors “making” above all else

Critiques of Maker Education (as commercially advertised)

Tech can be nice, but not always necessary

You can spend as much or as little $ as you like

Start with learning then decide on time

What do teachers already know how to do? Or students?

Honor expression (which can or cannot be making)

Cross-disciplinary and/or authentic challenges are strength

Community is key

Maker Education (as we advertise)

What did you see?

Tech can be nice, but not always necessary

You can spend as much or as little $ as you like

Start with learning then decide on time

What do teachers already know how to do? Or students?

Honor expression

Community is key

True Maker Education (as we advertise)

Presentations are BORING!