GREENSKY STUDIO

MAKERSPACE

To: Geoff, Joergen and Rena

From: Jeri Hurd
PROPOSAL:
To improve student learning and contentcreation by adding a HS Makerspace.
Whats a Makerspace?
While there are different types of
Makerspaces, they all have the same
purpose: To provide an environment (space,
tools and people) that fosters hands-on,
student-driven learning, creation and exploration. It promotes the joys of informal, experiential
learning through technology.
Purpose/Objectives:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

To provide the space, resources and tools to empower student

creation and learning
To promote self-directed learning
To strengthen the WAB culture of creation and innovation
To foster a spirit of experimental play
To create a knowledge network of mentors and trainers (both
student and adult) that allows students to work and learn
beyond the classroom.

It feels good to figure out

how something works and

how you can make it; its
empowering. It doesnt
matter what you Make, it
matters that you Make.
--David Wells
NY Hall of Science

Why the Library?

While we will work closely with the Tech Integrator and the Geek Force, it makes sense to run the
Makerspace through the library for both philosophical and practical reasons.
The library supports learning by
a) promoting conversation, collaboration and creation,
b) by providing access to a variety of resources,
c) and by teaching the process of inquiry.
The Makerspace is an extension of this.
The Makerspace should be available to all students and faculty; associating it with one specific
course (e.g. ITGS) may limit that in peoples perception.

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GREENSKY STUDIO

Makerspaces at WAB (Phase 1)

While all the DT labs in the HUB might seem to make this space redundant, when we created
the studio for the iBooks Author history project and non-history students suddenly appeared
out of the woodwork to use the space, we realized there was a definite need.
I met with Madeleine, Joergen, Don Jepson and Jim Pojman to discuss what a Makerspace at
WAB might look like. We will convert the current HS training room into the Makerspace and
utilize the Library Study and Conference rooms for formal IT training sessions, as well as
areas in the library and department spaces for more informal sessions. Madeleine will move
upstairs into the library back office to further facilitate collaboration
and develop our library/integration team here in the HS.

Makerspaces:
I. Equipment/Room
The back part of the training room will be a film studio, complete
with:
Multiple backdrops
Sound and lighting equipment
Light box for stop-motion animations
Table dollies and other camera equipment.

Learn by doing.
Learn by making.
Not learn by clicking.

Well also purchase 2-3 more high end entry-level cameras, and one medium range video
camera.
The front part of the room will hold 2-3 computers loaded with the necessary software for
video/audio editing, computer coding/programming, and anything else necessary for
creation. We will paint the walls for better lighting, and one wall will have a large piece of
glass for brainstorming sessions (whiteboard wall paint would have the same issues as
whiteboards, apparently, in that you can never really clean them).
II. Usage
With basic training on the equipment, students and teachers can
book the space for projects, or just drop in if its free. This will be an
excellent resource for the Personal Project (and student-led
assemblies!), a place for students to receive training in creating
documentaries, multi-touch books, and more, improving both their
learning and the quality of their product.

if I were to drop you

off in the bush with
nothing but the
clothes on your back,
an axe and some
matches, how long
would it be until you
could send me an
email?

We will offer a series of quick, drop-in workshops on topics of

interest to students/faculty. We seek to build a program of student-led training sessions and to
train Geek Force members to be part of the Knowledge Network.

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GREENSKY STUDIO

III. Impact on Learning

In her book Ingenius, Tina Seelig describes the essential
tools for developing individual creativity and innovation.
While the inner triangle describes personal traits, there are
also external requirements: Physical resources, habitat
(space) and a community that values exploration and
experimentation. The Makerspace would enhance the
program WAB already offers.
In addition, it will benefit students and improve learning by
Engaging them in participatory learning
Increasing motivation through meaningful play and
experimentation
Providing learning that is relevant to their goals and
interests
Giving them opportunities to create using a variety of media and tools
Connecting them with peer-experts and other educators
Improving skills and knowledge in content creation
Reinforcing transliteracies and multiple learning modalities
Encouraging connections among home, the school and the world.
IV. Benefits to WAB
Our research trials show that publishing to a world audience engages students at a
higher level, and creating the semi-professional environment would everyones
performance.
The space is in line with our technology integration mission.
It will be a showcase for touring parents and students.
Library Makerspaces are cutting edge; this will demonstrate WABs commitment to
technology innovation.
V. COST
This will come out of the library budget, either next years, or, preferably, the RMB 60,000
unspent from this years budget, which should more than cover what we need. I am currently
sourcing and pricing the equipment.