What is a Makerspace, and why should I care?

When I tell people I work in the UNCG School of Education's Makerspace, I often get a blank stare and, "Oh, that's nice." I can tell that what I do often needs an explanation.

I've also seen more than one school that has a  makerspace that just sits unused.  There are many reasons for this, among them, teachers just don't buy-in to the concept.

I heard a podcast recently from "The Cult of Pedagogy" that explains it well... Both the what and the why:

What is the Point of a Makerspace? Cult of Pedagogy

Virtual Reality Exploration in the SDS - Matt Fisher

This semester we're going to be diving deeper into exploring that possibilities of using our virtual reality class set with our students and partner schools.  Not only will we have the capability to take an entire class on a field trip to the Great Wall of China, the International Space Station, into the ocean to explore sharks, or into the human ear canal, but we'll also start the process of learning and teaching how to create our own virtual worlds.

Using digital tools such as CoSpaces, Google Tour Creator, and RoundMe, we will be exploring how we can use our 360 degree cameras and smart phones to capture the worlds around us digitally, import the images, and then create audio captions and links to resources.  We're even exploring how to use common everyday materials (cardboard boxes and art supplies) to create dioramas that we can convert into a 360 view as well.

This fall, we're planning to offer a workshop for teacher on how to begin exploring and integrating into the curriculum.

Until then, check out our virtual version
Jackson Pollock's Cardboard Art Studio! 

The cardboard box version is pictured below. 

MiR Training Fall 2018

We just finished up our Fall 2018 MiR Orientation training this morning in the studio.  It went pretty well, there was some great sharing and artwork creations created.  We all made small 3 x 3 sculptures out of found treasures that described our summer experiences.  We also created traveling rocks for our MyRocks project.  If you want to help our rocks travel, you can download the MyRocks app here and search for our rocks.  You can also paint your own and participate in the program.

We're excited to start the semester with our new group of Makers in Residence.  I actually forgot to take a group photo... D'oh!

Getting ready!

Nice and clean!

It's almost time!!

Summer is almost over, at least for college students.  Fall semester 2018 begins in less than two weeks. All over campus, faculty and staff are taking last minute vacations, and making last minute preparations for classes to start.

And organized too!

Here in the studio, it's no different. We've spent the summer hosting camps for kids of all ages. It's been crazy and chaotic at times, but always lots of fun. Things quieted down for a few minutes, and we've been able to get the studio cleaned up, organized, and ready for classes to begin!

There are some changes in store for this semester. The Makers in Residence program has grown, and it continues to evolve. It has taken on new dimensions, based on feedback and research. We can't wait to see how all of the MiRs grow this semester. 

There are still things to finalize, and we'll probably still be tweaking details after classes start. But we know great things are in store for everyone associated with the studio this semester. 

Let the games begin!

(~~Andrea Barbour/ SDS Grad. Assistant)