As Great Seneca Creek Elementary School library Media Specialist, Lisa Norris, has embraced this belief by providing a Makerspace in her media center, thus providing the opportunity for all students to become “inventors.” When she first started researching Makerspaces she immediately made the connection to UDL. The elements in the Design process are the building blocks our students need to become "Expert Learners." As Lisa says "If you can think critically, collaborate, ask questions, and be creative you can teach yourself whatever you want to learn." In this space learning materials, supplies, and concepts are available and accessible to all learners - with a variety of abilities and preferences. Students at every level can design, tinker and create regardless of language skills or academic proficiency – it is an equal access environment, rich in opportunities for choice, and self-paced learning, key UDL concepts.
In a school day that is often regulated and prescribed, the Makerspace may be the only time in a student’s day where they can create and learn at their own pace.
Lisa provides many visual cues so students require minimal teacher direction and time dedication to be successful. There is an emphasis on the design process illustrated in the image above. She also developed check-in and participation routines including a “tinker pass” and shared the process with teachers. Teachers then modify the “tinker pass” process to fit the routines in their own classrooms.
Student and staff response has been overwhelming! 2nd grade teacher, Germaine Cooley and Erin Swift are huge fans reporting that their students are"really engaged.....and it empowers students who aren't our traditional learners." Erin also reports that the learning in the Makerspace can be "connected to the learning in the classroom." To quote one satisfied customer “you can be your own inventor”! Watch this video to hear Alexander (4th grade) and Gabriele’s (3rd grade) impressions!