Madison Clayborn

27 February 2017

Reading Assignment 2

The Makerspaces section of this reading focused on just that, makerspaces. A makerspace

is defined as community-oriented workshops where tech enthusiasts meet regularly to share and

explore electronic hardware, manufacturing and mechanical tools, and programming techniques

and tricks (Johnson, Adams Becker, Estrada, and Freeman 38). Some of the tools that can be

found in a makerspace are laser cutters, soldering irons, Arduinos and Raspberry Pi computers,

saws and drills, and circuitry gadgets, as well as analog tools such as Legos and sewing devices

(Johnson, Adams Becker, Estrada, and Freeman 38). Makerspaces are not solely for artists, tech

enthusiasts, or engineers, anyone with a passion for making things can be included. Even school

systems are considering adding makerspaces into a school day to give students the opportunity to

foster their creativity. Makerspace education is on the rise already; it has the potential to

empower young people to become agents of change in their communities (Johnson, Adams

Becker, Estrada, and Freeman 39).

As a future educator, I like to see movements like this take shape in school systems. I

think makerspace education is a wonderful way to help students work with their hands to create

something that they are interested in. In doing this, students become intrinsically motivated to

make something for this world, something that could spark change. Not only will students

become motivated and excited, they have the opportunity to use creativity. School has become

such a black and white learning environment, having the opportunity to foster creativity instead

of hide it would have major benefits. Students have a voice and a unique opinion; we should let

them show that.

 The other topic I chose to investigate is the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept.

BYOD refers to the practice of people bringing their own laptops, tablets, smartphones, or other

mobile devices with them to the learning or work environment (Johnson, Adams Becker,

Estrada, and Freeman 36). While the article shines a light on some of the flaws of BYOD in the

classroom, IT concerns, technology gap issues, and platform neutrality, it also sings its praises.

Some of the benefits highlighted are the reduction of overall technology spending and the

reflection of a contemporary lifestyle. BYOD is gaining traction in the workplace and classrooms

because it aligns with global trends toward mobility as more people, ... own mobile devices and

are accessing the Internet (Johnson, Adams Becker, Estrada, and Freeman 36). It has the

potential to be a major game-changer in the workplace and classroom.

From the perspective of an educator, I love the concept of BYOD. I think it is very

important to include technology into the curriculum, especially since the world is becoming so

technologically advanced. Students need to be able to be taught how to be a good digital citizen

while being a global collaborator. With that being said, I think BYOD has a major pitfall; not all

students have a device to bring. Students in low-income families may not be able to afford a

mobile device, which bring up the question: what do we do about those students? Students have

the right to a free and appropriate education, and if we bring the BYOD program mainstream,

some students education would be poorly affected. I think these programs would be a great

addition to schools curriculum, but I think we need to work out the kinks before fully

implementing it.
 References

Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Estrada, V., and Freeman, A. (2015). NMC Horizon Report:

2015 K-12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.