Artifact #8- Maker Project

Description:

The Maker Project was developed individually in the Summer of 2023 for the course Theory and Practice for Integrating Digital Resources into Learning and Teaching with Professor Sadera. For this project we were required to select a maker challenge that we could develop a solution to based on a design or project-based learning framework. Then we created the project, documented the project and shared with other educators on my website that I created. Reflection questions were answered based on the process and the experience.

For my maker project, I created a sand table to solve the problem of my children digging holes in the yard. I used the 4 C's of 21st Century Learning as my framework throughout the development of this project. The 4 C's consist of critical thinking, creative thinking, communicating and collaborating. All components of the framework were referenced throughout the creation of this project. Papert's perspective on personal thinking and Courous' work on growth mindset was applied to my actions throughout the activity. My kids still have this sand table and it continues to solve our problem of them digging in the yard. 

 

Standard Alignment:

Standard #4- Learning Designer

4a. Collaborate with educators to develop authentic, active learning experiences that foster student agency, deepen content mastery and allow students to demonstrate their competency.

Through this experience I was able to collaborate with other educators by sharing and viewing different maker projects. We were able to grow in our understanding of design or project-based learning frameworks so that we can use these frameworks for future teaching opportunities. The reflection on this process shows how this type of learning activity can foster student agency, deepen content mastery and allow students to demonstrate their understanding.

 

Reflection:

This maker project was a personal project that was developed based on a personal need. It allowed for me to have a maker experience and have the ability to use the 4 C framework and reflect upon the process. This experience allowed for me to gain insight on Papert and his theory that people learn best through hands-on activities. It also gave me insight on Courous' work on growth mindset. Overall the project, inspired me to have an innovative mindset and how I can use the same kind of projects in the classroom to teach and inspire my students. 

The Maker Project can connect to the ISTE Learning Designer standard with the indicator of collaborating with educators to develop authentic, active learning experiences that foster student agency, deepen content mastery and allow students to demonstrate their competency. Through the sharing of projects and frameworks used to solve our problems, we were able to reflect on the process and inspire each other to develop these types of learning experiences for our students in the classroom. 

This maker project was effective. It allowed me to  learn about and experience using a design or project-based learning framework for instruction. I hope I can provide this experience to my students in the classroom when possible.