More and more companies are looking for employees who have not only the theory background but also the skill sets needed to compete in the 21st century workforce. Oftentimes that means students – all students of varying backgrounds – must have to some degree a certain level of hands-on practice with maker technologies, like 3D printers, laser cutters, vacuum formers, and so on.
This is the reason why many of the educational institutions I work with are empowering students – and often where students are also taking it upon themselves – to set up student- operated makerspaces. These makerspaces are explicitly by the students for the students.
Not only does this give students a chance to learn a wide variety of maker technologies, it also offers an opportunity for practice in management, business, and organization. This movement is altering the MakerEd movement in a couple ways.
Diversity of Users
The last meeting I had for the development of a new university makerspaces had the most diverse array of people involved.
There were people with a background in 3D printing and other technologies but there were also individuals with very little background in maker technologies but were interested applications like art, materials science, biomedicine, theater and set design, costume creation, historical preservation, and libraries. This is because industries are changing and everyone is becoming involved with the MakerEd movement.
This means there will be less focus on the capabilities of a makerspace and more focus on a few other features for the technologies and equipment a lab employs.
New Types of Equipment
A new diversity of users has a significant impact on the type of equipment makerspaces feature. Instead of high-end, high-tech equipment that require hiring full-time technical staff to oversee, student-led makerspaces are looking more toward entry level, easy-to-use equipment. Novice users need pieces of equipment that don’t require a significant amount of previous experience, if any.
Another major concern is safety. Today, students run machine tools, circular saws, injection molders, band saws, 3D printers, etc. That’s why student-run makerspaces often prefer equipment options that include safety guards and enclosures as well as safe ventilation for all equipment in the lab, like fume extraction systems for laser cutters. They are also concerned about noise reduction and steps they can take to ensure the noise coming from their equipment doesn’t disturb nearby classrooms and other workspaces.
Overall I believe many of these changes are happening for the democratization of maker technologies. Such skills are no longer regaled for just engineering students. Everyone needs – and wants – access to the latest technologies impacting their future professions and that means making such technologies accessible to everyone. This shift only serves to further enhance the MakerEd movement across campuses nationwide.
