Make Making Meaningful

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Presenters

Christopher Bugaj

Loudoun County Public Schools

Karen Janowski

EdTech Solutions Inc

Mike Marotta

ATAC, Disability Rights New Jersey

Beth Poss

Beth Poss, Educational Consulting

Proposal summary

Christopher Bugaj
Karen Janowski
Mike Marotta
Beth Poss
Making provides educational experiences in which learners delight in inquiry and reflection, moving beyond consumption into creation. This session emphasizes engaging students in solving authentic problems to learning due to barriers from learning differences and physical access, using items commonly found in educational settings, including homes, promoting inclusive educational practices.

Outline

1. Introductions of presenters (5 min)
2. Defining the Inclusive Mindset (10 min): Participants will be engaged in a reflective chat using Jamboard or a similar tool, in which they are asked to consider their current mindset on inclusive practices
3. Learning Barriers--the presenters will ask for scenarios from the participants (and have sample scenarios available, if needed) as to what are common or unique barriers that learners encounter, considering especially learners with complex special needs. (10 min)
4. Creating an inclusive makerspace-creating a setting for all learners to engage in creative problem solving regarding solutions to overcome learning barriers: what strategies are effective and what tools and materials do you need? Participants will have the opportunity to brainstorm ideas with facilitation from the presenters. (10 min)
5. Sharing of examples of how makers have designed and created resources to remove barriers. (10 min)
5. Gathering materials (5 minutes)
6. Hands-on making experience facilitated by the presenters, including step-by-step instructions. There will be opportunities for participants to ask questions, share their making on camera, and interact with each other as they problem-solve and design solutions. (15 min)
7. Gallery Walk/Sharing out from the group and conclusion (10 min)
8. Resources for further exploration will be provided at the conclusion of the session

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Audience:

Library media specialists, Teachers

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Skill level:

Intermediate

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Participant accounts, software and other materials:

Participants will not need any additional software installed on their computer. They need to come prepared to expand their thinking on the power of inclusive strategies and solutions in the classroom to promote learning for all. Participants will benefit from having access to common household/school materials such as a plastic milk jug, rubber bands, scissors or exacto knife, cardboard, corrugated plastic signs, binder clips, markers, balloons, playdough or clay. A range of possible making activities will be provided, with options for choice based on available materials.

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Topic:

Creative maker activities

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Grade level:

K-12

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ISTE Standards:

For Educators:
Citizen

Create experiences for learners to make positive, socially responsible contributions and exhibit empathetic behavior online that build relationships and community.

Designer

Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.

For Students:
Innovative Designer

Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.

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Influencer Disclosure:

This session includes a presenter that indicated a “material connection” to a brand that includes a personal, family or employment relationship, or a financial relationship. See individual speaker menu for disclosure information.