Democratising Technological Innovation through Makerspaces

Abstract

PCF10 Sub-theme: Promoting Equity and Inclusion // The Maker’s Space is an attempt to democratize technological innovation by providing space and tools to rural youth to experiment and learn. Lack of infrastructure and access to educational tools inhibits the youth in rural India from realizing their full potential and creating innovative context-appropriate solutions for their communities. // The Maker's Space initiative is based on the idea of ‘innovate, invent, peer-learn, co-create,’. In these spaces, the students and adolescents are exposed to a hands-on, STEM-based approach and creative ways of learning to encourage them to design, build, experiment and innovate while they engage in science, technology, art, engineering and mathematics. Therefore, it facilitates a shift from “learning to know” to “learning to do” and “learning to work together”. It also provides an unstructured learning space supported by the machine and digital tools of learning that allows children and youth to take ownership of their learning. The Maker’s Space initiative also designs the physical spaces in a manner that fosters self-reflection and immersive learning. To teach digital literacy, DEF will be employing a variety of formats such as online learning and bot-based learning. // This program has a special focus on girls and persons with disabilities. This special focus is aimed at addressing their disproportionately low representation in STEM education. It is envisaged that this STEM learning program will support them in accessing livelihood, education and quality day to day life. The program is also designed to help them to think critically and will enable them to make tools that are beneficial to persons with disabilities. // Maker’s Spaces consist of a digital centre equipped with STEM learning and digital skilling tools. Understanding the importance of confidence-building, these spaces also conduct mental health sessions and motivational sessions. // Paper ID 2751