The Unspace Case: Developing a Maker Movement in a Multipurpose, Flexible Space, Library Setting

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Published: Jun 24, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v8i1.22658

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Craig Shepherd
University of Wyoming
Cassandra Kvenild
University of Wyoming
Shannon M. Smith
University of Wyoming
Alan Buss
University of Wyoming

Abstract

This paper presents the ongoing design, development, and implementation of a K-16 maker movement centered around a joint public school/university library whose minimal dedicated space has expanded opportunities for public participation, partnerships, and shared resources. As the library sought to circulate STEM resources for K-9 teachers and students in 2011, University instructors were seeking opportunities for preservice teachers to interact meaningfully with authentic, technology-rich environments. These separate endeavors coalesced over time to form a robust community of various school, university, and public stakeholders focused on mathematics and science learning. Because the space was not bound to a single physical location, proponents were able to leverage various resources, mobile tools, and settings to explore and apply STEM knowledge, construct products, and attract new and returning users. This design case articulates how the maker movement provides curricular programming while maintaining a playful atmosphere that encourages personal exploration regardless of age and ability.

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How to Cite
Shepherd, C., Kvenild, C., Smith, S. M., & Buss, A. (2017). The Unspace Case: Developing a Maker Movement in a Multipurpose, Flexible Space, Library Setting. International Journal of Designs for Learning, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v8i1.22658
Issue
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2017): Special Issue: Makerspace Design Cases
Section
Makerspaces

Copyright © 2023 by the International Journal of Designs for Learning, a publication of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) and Indiana University. Permission to make digital or hard copies of portions of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that the copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page in print or the first screen in digital media. Except as otherwise noted, the content published by IJDL is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA. A simpler version of this statement is available here.

Author Biographies

Craig Shepherd, University of Wyoming

Associate Professor of Instructional Technology

Cassandra Kvenild, University of Wyoming

Associate Librarian, Head of the Learning Resource Center

Shannon M. Smith, University of Wyoming

Library Specialist

Alan Buss, University of Wyoming

Associate Professor of Elementary Education

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