FTT - MakerSpace

Creating in the MakerSpace

@LisaBerghoff/@MrKimDHS

As mentioned in our previous blog, we need to seize every opportunity for our students to be active producers and creators in their learning, as opposed to being passive consumers of information. You don't have to teach an art class or a creative writing class to give your students opportunities to make something. And if you are looking for some inspiration for your curriculum, our district is lucky to have a wonderful resource for staff and students to create: The MakerSpace. 

What is a MakerSpace? Is it merely a place that has a bunch of 3D printers? Not exactly - while many MakerSpaces or Fabrication labs are famous for their high-tech equipment, all you really need are some basic materials and a workspace to be in business. But if you are interested in incorporating different pieces of equipment in your lesson plans, here are some examples of projects and lessons teachers have done in our spaces:

Spanish Class and the Day of the Dead

In an effort to get her students to think outside of the box, Senora Daughton wanted her Spanish class to create artistic skulls for the Day of the Dead. This involved her students coming down to the Makerspace for a quick crash course on 3D printing, as well as our large format vinyl cutter to print and cut stickers. Students looked up graphic files for 3D printed skulls, and they also designed skulls on Illustrator and Google Drawings. Check out the pictures below!

SG-300 Large Format Print/Cutter

Biology models and 3D printing

Mike O'Malley's Biology class wanted to create accurate models of different animal species, and learn the basics of additive manufacturing aka 3D printing. They were shown this presentation on 3D printing, and over the course of a few weeks, the students came into the MakerSpace to render and create their 3D models. These models needed to connect with major biology themes for each unit.

3D model download on Thingiverse.com

Mindful Movement and their Mantras

Our last example was Krista Settles' Mindful Movement class that wanted to create daily mantras for their SEL/Mental health unit. Students came into the MakerSpace and created their mantra designs using our laptop carts and Canva - a website where you can create posters and designs for various needs. After learning how to convert their images to the correct file formats, the stickers were rendered in Illustrator and printed and cut on our large format vinyl cutter. 

Makers gonna Make!

The point is this: you don't have to be a science class or an engineering class to take advantage of the MakerSpace. Any class can participate given the right supports. Are you interested in bringing your class into the MakerSpace? The Highland Park and Deerfield MakerSpaces are ready for you! Contact us to brainstorm great ideas for your class.

FTT - 2019 Year In Review and Trends To Watch For 2020

2019 Year In Review and Trends To Watch For 2020

@LisaBerghoff/@MrKimDHS

Happy New Year!

Each December, Google sends out their "Year In Search" video. They look at what topics, names, news items, and events were the most searched and then they create a video montage. You can see the analytics of what was searched the most in 2019 by clicking on  Google's Year In Search.

Take a look at this year's video. It's only 2 minutes long and will definitely give you some talking points with both colleagues and students.




Reading the Year In Search had me thinking that this would be a good time to review the posts that were most looked at in 2019 and to make some predictions about what trends we will see in 2020 with technology integration.

Here are the top 5 viewed Giant EdTech posts from 2019. 

Remember, all posts are archived and searchable. If you missed these the first time around, you might want to take a look. These are the posts most viewed in 2019.

1. August: Your Back To School Checklist

2. November: Organize Your Digital Life With Google Keep

3. October: Gmail Filters And Labels

4. December: How Did You Do That? 5 Great Ways To Use Google Drawings

5. May: Have Some Fun Learning With GimKit!

Where Are We Headed In 2020?

There are lots of predictions about what will be trending with instructional technology in 2020. My predictions are based on what I am seeing here in our district and not global trends. I get to see a little bit of everything and for that I am so lucky! I really wish our staff could get to see each other teach because we have some incredible teachers. When I refer to teachers, I'm really referring to all adults who come in contact with our students. Yes, even if you are not in charge of a classroom, you are teaching every day. I am seeing a lot of energy and movement in the following five areas. These are the trends I see happening in our buildings for the coming year. It will be interesting to look back at this list in 2021 and see how I did. 

1. More Student Creation

I have more and more teachers requesting digital tools that will allow students to create as opposed to consume. We are asking our students to make videos, podcasts, infographics and websites. I see this as a continuing trend and I believe we will have students do more and more of this while we do less.

2. More Collaboration and Interactivity

Google Docs officially became Google Docs in 2012. That was not that long ago! And yet the functionality of being able to collaborate in real time and have multiple edits sync is something that we have come to expect from all of our tools, not just word processing. I believe that the tools that allow for real time and asynchronous collaboration will dominate our classrooms over those that can only be used under one account.

3. Need For Real-World Connection

If you have ever done a project with students where "experts" were brought in to consult or even judge student work, you know that the quality of work goes way up, as does the enthusiasm from the students. I see our students being less and less satisfied with simply turning in work to teachers and then getting it back with a grade on it. When our students believe that their work can make a difference, or will be viewed or judged by someone prominent in their field, they are authentically interested in learning.

4. Modification and Redefinition

For those of you unfamiliar with the SAMR model, where have you been?

You can get a 2 minute tutorial by clicking here.

I am noticing a trend away from substitution. I think we will see more and more modification and redefinition of learning tasks, which means more student-centered learning that utilizes technology to perform tasks that were previously not possible.

5. Assistive Tech For Everyone

As I continue to work with case managers and counselors to find solutions for students who are struggling, I believe more and more of the "assistive tech" tools will become mainstream. For example, the use of audiobooks was originally created for people with visual impairments. Now audiobooks are used and enjoyed by everyone for a wide variety of reasons. I see this as a trend that will not only continue but expand in the coming year as more tools become available to all of us.



What do you think? Did I miss any that you see?
Feel free to post in the comments section.
Happy New Year!