Global Makerspace and much more …

What a busy month it has been in my work with makerspaces. I have had the pleasure of working with two international researchers (Klaus Thestrup & Anca Velicu) on the Melbourne chapter of the Global Makerspace, an experiment in connecting children from Denmark, the UK and Melbourne, Australia. Overall, a great experience and success if the response of the children can be taken as a measure of this, and thanks once again to the enthusiastic staff and students at St Stephens Primary School in Reservoir. My work with the children continues in a voluntary capacity for the rest of this year and hopefully next year too.

A video of an informal discussion with Klaus & Anca reflecting on this experience can be found here:

Other related work:

  • Presentation and workshop at YPRL future planning conference.

Inspiring to hear of the great initiatives of these libraries e.g. https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/news/toy-and-learning-library/

  • Visit to Canterbury PS – my favourite Primary School makerspace.
  • Discussions with Yooralla for the creation of a makerspace in Fawkner
  • Visit and tour of Kilmore Secondary College to discuss their makerspace planning
  • Organising panel at Public Pedagogies Conference, with presentations from international and local makerspace experts. Please attend as it will be a fascinating two days: http://www.publicpedagogies.org/conference/
  • St Stephens commencement of makerspace activities to complement curriculum.
  • Visits to Templestowe College, Bundoora Secondary College and Mt Alexander Secondary College to discuss makerspaces and progressive pedagogy with principals and makerspace consultants
  • Connecting with like-minded educators and artists: Deborah Rodrigues  http://gluckworkshops.com/