Making Learners: A Framework for Evaluating Making in STEM Education

The maker movement has strong connections to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well as art and crafts, but the goals of making are not in perfect alignment with any of these disciplines. Within the problem-based paradigm, however, there is room to incorporate making as situated STEM learning, even in formal, standards-based educational settings. We report on a framework for making in STEM education and describe a rubric for assessing the presence of the essential elements of making within STEM instruction. We present examples of the application of the rubric in a STEM teacher education course

Maker Math: Exploring Mathematics through Digitally Fabricated Tools with K–12 In-Service Teachers

This paper reports on nine elementary, middle, and high school in-service teachers who participated in a series of workshops aimed at exploring the wonder, joy, and beauty of mathematics through the creation and application of digitally fabricated tools (i.e., laser-cut and 3D printed). Using the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework to investigate technological, pedagogical, contextual, and content knowledge, researchers applied qualitative methods to uncover the affordances and constraints of teaching and learning math concepts with digitally fabricated tools and examined how the workshops supported broadening participation in mathematics by focusing on the connections between mathematical inquiry, nature, and the arts. Affordances include opportunities for hands-on learning, visual support at the secondary level, and real-world connections that go beyond the state standards. Barriers include purchasing a laser-cutter, ventilation and noise issues, time constraints, misalignment with school and district priorities, and a lack of administrative support. All participants indicated that they were interested in additional workshops focused on designing their own digitally fabricated mathematics tools that better align with their grade level(s) and standards

What Twitter Tells Us about Online Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic caused schools to shut down in at least 191 countries, resulting in challenges for students and educators. While the instructional technology community was already researching online education prior to Covid-19, this pandemic has resulted in mainstream discussions about the effectiveness of online learning as an alternative to traditional teaching methods. Unlike traditional instructional technology conversations that are followed by a niche set of experts, Covid-19 brought online learning to the forefront involving social media discourse across an array of influential voices. With so many new voices joining the dialogue, questions have emerged about the types of conversation that took place on Twitter about Covid-19 and online education. This study utilizes Twitter as a research tool to understand the pandemic and online education

Laying the Groundwork for STEAM: Scaling and Supporting 3D Design and Printing in Higher Education

This perspective article outlines the design and development of a 3D Printing Ecosystem (3DPE) that aims to lay the groundwork for STEAM education. The 3DPE is a coordinated system of hardware, software, and people that has been intentionally designed to scale computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing (3DP) at an institutional level. CAD and 3DP are two prime examples of technologies that support STEAM by blending engineering with the arts. These technologies, however, are typically only taught in select university courses that focus on engineering, product development, and industrial design. In recent years, the availability of affordable, reliable, and highly maintainable 3D printers has created an opportunity to infuse CAD and 3DP as a shared set of literacies that can cross disciplinary boundaries. The 3DPE consists of a decentralized series of 3DP labs, a centralized 3DP server, and faculty training. Using a train-the-trainer model, the 3DPE supports STEAM education by training faculty in CAD and 3DP while also providing ongoing curricular support to infuse these skills into their courses through project-based learning. This article provides preliminary examples of how the 3DPE is supporting STEAM education and offers advice for others seeking to replicate the model