Digital Makerspaces Using Google Drive

 Digital Makerspaces Using Google Drive 

"Maker spaces promote learning through play; have the potential to demystify science, math, technology, and engineering; and encourage women and under­represented minorities to seek careers in those fields." (Britton, 2012)

    One incredible resource that I found when researching about Digital Makerspaces is this Virtual MakerSpace by It was originally created by Shannon Miller, and she was kind enough to share the template for open use for librarians and teachers to adapt and modify it as they see fit. 

There are links for art, building, coding, design, engineering, music, reading, robotics, and more! I thought this was an incredible curation for elementary students, and you can see the time, effort, and energy that went into this project. 

    This is a twist on the traditional in-person MakerSpace that I was familiar with. I love that students can access this MakerSpace at any time, and teachers would also be able to utilize it within their classrooms! I am sure that this would be so engaging for elementary students, and I loved the thought and planning that went into the curation. As most of our schools are transitioning into the digital age and we are 1:1 with iPads or Chromebooks, I thought this was an important way to enhance the use of technology. This is a way for libraries to enhance digital learning and encourage creativity in our students!
    I also thought this tied in perfectly with one of the articles we read this week, The Makings of Maker Spaces: Space for Creation, Not Just Consumption. The article states, "Someone who wants to do something because it is fun is more likely to find an activity to be meaningful than someone who is doing something for a reward or to learn something. When someone is engaged in a playful space, that person will learn more easily. Creating playful information-based spaces allows the learner to explore and engage with content on the learner’s terms instead of on the instructor’s terms." (Britton, 2012) In the cat of the Virtual Makerspace, students would see it as FUN! They would be able to learn through play in a digital environment and engage in a more meaningful way!
    Additionally, I like that the Google Slide is completely editable, thanks to Shannon Miller. Teachers and librarians can modify it to incorporate links and activities that fit the needs of their diverse learners. High school and middle school librarians could add in more advanced projects and take it a step further in technology, based on the abilities of their students!
      In the article Children's Learning with Tablet Technology is Often Too Passive, Joan Hughes states, "Children’s learning with technology becomes more meaningful and engaging when they tackle intellectually challenging, complex content problems that have roots in their interests or lives." I feel that integrating this type of Virtual Makerspace would make student learning much more meaningful because it is challenging, inquiry-based, and requires students to independently solve problems! 

"Maker culture is one way for libraries to support innovation and creativity, using library space in ways that people both want and need." -Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 

   

References

Britton, L. (2012). The makings of maker spaces, part 1: Space for creation, not just consumption. The Digital Shift. Retrieved July 23, 2022, from http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/10/public-services/the-makings-of-maker-spaces-part-1-space-for-creation-not-just-consumption/ 

Hughes, J. E. (2018, August 22). Children's learning with tablet technology is often too passive. UT News. Retrieved July 23, 2022, from https://news.utexas.edu/2017/08/22/childrens-learning-with-tablet-technology-is-often-passive/#:~:text=Aug%2022%2C%202017-,Children's%20Learning%20With%20Tablet%20Technology%20is%20Often%20Too%20Passive,easier%20with%20technology%20like%20tablets.&text=Many%20children%20find%20learning%20through,answer%20questions%20and%20receive%20feedback

Miller, S. M. C. (2020). Our virtual makerspace is open! The Library Voice. Retrieved July 23, 2022, from https://vanmeterlibraryvoice.blogspot.com/2020/07/our-virtual-makerspace-is-open.html