Using Informal Learning of Makerspaces to Enhance Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK)
Abstract: Makerspaces are emerging as promising experiential learning environments that support the development of future ready skills, including collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and innovation, communication, and problem solving. This poster presentation shares the findings from a pilot study that explored what knowledge participants perceived they gained from participating in a makerspace experience. Preliminary findings suggest that participants perceived that they had 1) gained knowledge about how to facilitate maker experiences for their students, 2) gained the technical expertise and confidence to use the technologies explored during the makerspace in their own teaching, 3) were able to make curriculum connections with the activities explored in the makerspace, and 4) were able to identify the types of thinking skills being used in different centers. These findings suggest that TPACK knowledge of the participants was enhanced through interacting with tinkering and exploring within the informal learning environments of makerspaces.
Presider: Rashid Khan, DCC- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran Saudi Arabia