MakerSpaces and 3D Printing


As a first year librarian, I hope to be able to create a quality maker space for my students in the near future. I have already peaked their interest by incorporating STEM bins into my curriculum, now we just need more materials and a designated space to create.



 According to Lauren Britton, “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” (The Digital Shift).



Now more than ever, we as teacher librarians needs to work to include maker spaces into our library lessons so that students can see their vast potential. Although maker spaces can be made with easily found items and materials, I would love nothing more than to be able to purchase a 3D printer for my students!



EdTech Magazine discusses the best ways to incorporate a 3D printer in a school setting.
This recent study shows that 3D printers help build critical skills development and that 100% of students stay engaged in learning. What better way to engage student than allowing them to digitally create an item and watch it build before their eyes! There are numerous companies that sell high-quality 3D printers, but one of the best rated machines is the MakerBot Replicator+.   



It is important to remember that a “maker space isn't the same as a craft corner” (Canino-Fluit). A maker space is an area where students are free to create, build, and find solutions to problems.


Resources:

Britton, L. (2012). The Makings of Maker Spaces, Part 1: Space for Creation, Not Just Consumption. The Digital Shift.

Canino - Fluit, A. A. (2014). School Library Makerspaces. Teacher Librarian, 41(5), 21-27

Comments

  1. DeniseGadsonMarch 31, 2019 at 10:58 AM

    Hi, Jayme. I think it is an exciting move that you are making toward creating a maker space in your library for your students. I like that you have STEM bins to engage your students. At one time, I wanted to purchase a 3-D printer, but my desire was fueled by the thinking that it was a "requirement" for a maker space. I remember going to an EdTech conference, and thinking, "Wow, that's cool!" However, I did not have a real plan as to how I would use it with my students. I have not made the purchase, but I am interested in knowing how other librarians are using 3-D printers, and their thoughts on them.

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  2. KathrynMarch 31, 2019 at 1:53 PM

    I am also interested in using 3D printers in my future library maker space. I know of several schools that have purchased them and not used them, so it would be a goal of mine to do the research and promote usage of the equipment with both students and teachers. I think that they are a little overwhelming in concept and possibly not as easy to use as people suspect and in the hustle and bustle of life, it might get pushed to the side for things that are more comfortable. At least, this is how I would imagine it would be for me and learning this new technology. Thank you for the resources that I can use when the time comes for me to make the decision of if / how to use 3D printers in my maker space.

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    Replies
    1. Krystal Elliott SLIS761March 31, 2019 at 8:13 PM

      Good Evening Kathyrn,
      I have also heard of schools that have purchased the printers and have found them to be too complex. I agree, it would be best to do your research, and find the right one that would be most suitable for your school. Personally, I would not want it in my library space because I'm sure I would be spending most of my time teaching teachers how to use it.

      Delete
  3. Krystal Elliott SLIS761March 31, 2019 at 8:10 PM

    Good evening Jayme,
    I totally agree with you, when you mentioned, " We must all work to incorporate makerspaces in our libraries. I believe the children learn so much more when they have the opportunity to do more hands on experiements. I love your idea of a 3d printer in the library. As we all know, most children love any and everything that comes in 3d mode. Although, for the elementary school setting that I am in, I'm sure it may not be as much fun being that it is a little more complex. The best thing for me to do is to demonstrate how the machine works and let me watch me create something on it. However, I still think it would be a new product to introduce to students. The more we expose them to new technology, the quicker they will learn to adapt to changes in the future.

    ReplyDelete

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