Maker Movement

This week I had the opportunity to attend Vision2020 (OK State Dept of Ed) in OKC. There were several great speakers and I am sure many sessions that would of been great to attend. I tried attending sessions that I felt would help generate ideas as we push career and technical education to the next level.

One such session that I attended was the Mysterious Makers by Shawn Petty.

I have to be honest, the whole Maker culture really fascinates me. I follow Makezine.com and am fascinated by many of the postings. People just making things, and some really cool things! I want to learn more and that is why I decided to check it out.

Wikipedia describes the Maker culture:

"The maker culture is a contemporary culture or subculture representing a technology-based extension of DIY culture. Typical interests enjoyed by the maker culture include engineering-oriented pursuits such as electronics, robotics, 3-D printing, and the use of CNC tools, as well as more traditional activities such as metalworking, woodworking, and traditional arts and crafts. The subculture stresses new and unique applications of technologies, and encourages invention and prototyping. There is a strong focus on using and learning practical skills and applying them creatively."

From that definition alone I think it is a great fit for career and technical education. I can envision students, regardless of career major or CTSO, high school or adult, participating in Maker Faire-CTE.

The Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education thinks it is a great fit as well. They have a short article on the White House Maker Faire and will have some upcoming grants for states and local schools.

There are many opportunities through the Maker Movement. CTE should get involved and be a part of this tremendous opportunity for students to creatively learn.

Whose in?