Analyzing How Maker Activities Engage Learners Differently

• In Event: Innovative Strategies for Promoting Engagement

Abstract

Makerspace encourages learning in a variety of ways. There are myriad maker activities using various materials from high-tech resources to low-tech everyday tools. However, little is known whether different maker activities afford different learning opportunities for learners. Understanding the differences of various maker activities will promote the learning for all learners. We use the Seek & Share Resources Tool (Authors, under review) to investigate how learners engage in these learning behaviors based on the maker activity. Particularly, we examine in what ways, do makerspace activities afford different opportunities for learner engagement in seeking and sharing resources? We found significant differences between different maker activities. We discuss important implications for designing and facilitating makerspace programs, and staffing in informal learning environments.

Authors

• Eda Zhang, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Annie White, Fred Rogers Center

• Alison Bank, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

• Peter Samuelson Wardrip, University of Wisconsin