More Learning Through Making: Spring 2017 Maker Literacies Pilot

U T A with star in the center, used when staff photo is unavailable

by Martin Wallace
February 22 2017

In Fall 2016, UT Arlington Libraries began a pilot program with faculty across campus to integrate the UTA FabLab and “maker literacies” into course curricula. We continue in Spring 2017 with five additional courses added to the pilot: Dr. Amanda Alexander’s Technology in Art Education (ART 4365), Dr. Christoph Csallner’s Object-Oriented Software Engineering (CSE 3311), Dr. David Sparks’Multiple Teaching Practices in Mathematics and Science (EDUC 4333), Dr. Estee Beck’s Technical Communication (ENGL 3373), and Dr. Bonnie Boardman’s Introduction to Industrial Engineering (IE 1205).

Learning Through Collaborative Problem Solving

Students in ART 4365 will be using the FabLab’s software and hardware resources to complete assignments based on thinking broadly about K-12 classroom problems. Students will observe classroom spaces, decide in small groups a problem that can be addressed, and work together to solve the problem.

Learning Through Software Development and Iteration

Students in CSE 3311 will be assisting in the development of our in-house FabApp, an open-source suite of software modules for FabLab resource management. Working in teams, students will help design and implement a ticketing system to log equipment maintenance needs, a system that manages queues of students waiting to use a piece of equipment, and a system to track community membership dues and expiration dates. Specifications will be provided by the FabLab, and students will work through multiple iterations of their designs and implementation for meeting the specification requirements.

Learning Through Inquiry and PBL Design

Pre-service mathematics and science teachers in EDUC 4333 will design an inquiry-based or project-based learning (PBL) object for use in a mathematics or science classroom. Students will conceptualize, design, and 3D print their objects in the FabLab. The class will culminate with students presenting a demonstration of how their objects will be used in an inquiry-based or PBL curriculum.

Learning Through Professional Writing and Documentation

Students in ENGL 3373 will work in teams to draft case studies of the courses that participated in the Fall 2016 Maker Literacies pilot. Each case study will include the course name, number and description, an overview of the maker literacy assignment and the maker competencies that were assessed, and a report of the learning outcomes. In addition, one or two of the case studies will report on the results of the assignments.

Learning Through Design of Training Materials

Students in IE 1205 will be learning about the design cycle.  Students will work in groups and have one assignment per stage of the design cycle through the semester.  The assignments will all revolve around designing a training program for the FabLab, with groups specifically looking at each of the following  topics:  3D printer training, laser cutter training, embroidery machine training, motivating new makers to get trained, and identifying trained users.

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