Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference

We consider tech-rich makerspaces to be playgrounds for building 21st century skills. Makerspaces help develop social skills, self-esteem and maturity, as well as facilitate pressure-free learning, teach risk taking and experimenting and promote growth from failure. Engaging technology drives makerspaces, but the most important factor is an atmosphere that supports all stages of learning and reinforces a sense of mastery and accomplishment through valuable play. So, how do we create an environment that enables creativity, freedom in design and problem solving? A safe way is to make it student-centered, but it takes courage for teachers to transfer power to students. In this presentation, we will explain how educators can identify tech that allows kids to access their inner geek in a comfortable space. We'll feature tools that help kids exercise their voice, level the playing field and enhance inclusion. We will also discuss overcoming the inner conflicts teachers face in student-centered learning. You'll learn how to create a student-centered makerspace fueled by collaboration, how to arrange a mobile version and how to access existing support and funding. Participants then will turn into students to empathize with their experiences and foster a growth mindset, reflect on the ideas that emerge and discuss implementing them. We'll end by using the design process to reinforce the changes as you build a plan to transform uncertainty into growth. (Presenter(s): Irina Tuule, Co-founder, Eduporium)