OPENNESS IN MAKING FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES: EXAMINING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF ONLINE SHARED 3D PRINTER ARTIFACTS IN CAMPUS MAKERSPACE

Abstract

A practical concern for online shared 3D printer artifacts in campus makerspaces is whether they are accessible for open educational purposes. It is well established that makers and makerspaces share all sorts of projects online but the accessibility of online shared artifacts for connected and collaborative making is limited by several factors. The purpose of this study is to determine how campus makerspaces share 3D printer artifacts online in order to describe online sharing practices for open educational purposes. To examine online sharing practices in campus makerspaces, MakeSchools project was selected as a case study because it brings together campus makerspaces in the U.S. that are committed to online sharing of makerspace artifacts. Qualitative content analysis of 3D printer artifacts shared on MakeSchools website and affiliated campus makerspace websites was conducted. Additionally, thematic analysis was conducted on makerspaces and institutions profile surveys shared on MakeSchools website, and MakeSchools and campus makerspace administrators interviews. Online shared 3D printer artifacts were analyzed through the lens of open content framework to describe open practices. The findings showed that the majority of online shared 3D printer artifacts are not open for educational purposes. However, the findings suggest that some campus makerspaces are integrating open content practices when sharing artifacts online which makes shared 3D printer artifacts open for educational purposes. On this basis, open content framework should be taken into account when making and sharing 3D printer artifacts online to foster greater access to campus makerspaces artifacts.