Expanding Informal Maker-Based Learning Programs for Urban Youth
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Author/Creator ORCID
Date
2020-12-04
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Program
Citation of Original Publication
Hamidi, Foad, Amy Freeland, Shawn Grimes, Stephanie Grimes, Adena Moulton, and Andrew Coy. “Expanding Informal Maker-Based Learning Programs for Urban Youth.” In 2020 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), 1–9, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE44824.2020.9274006.
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© 2020 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.
Abstract
This Research Full Paper contributes to research on creating maker-based learning experiences for youth in diverse informal learning settings. A key research question in this space is how to efficiently and effectively setup maker learning spaces and train educators to deliver high-quality maker curriculum in diverse sites. To study this question, we developed and deployed a multi-phase maker educator training program that included makerspace setup, educator training, and youth program deployment. We deployed three models of the program at three participating sites over roughly nine months. We analyzed data from educator pre- and post- interviews and found that the programs generated considerable interest in the youth and resulted in positive shifts in career aspirations and social and technical skills. Participants emphasized the importance of creating hybrid online and offline resources and training materials. Our participants also identified logistical challenges related to recruiting educators and youth attendance. Finally, participants described possibilities for content localization and the inclusion of participatory approaches to keep youth and educators engaged.