other things, this will allow us to
concretize mathematics instruction:
Instead of having to memorize an abstract formula to calculate the volume
of a pyramid, for example, you’ll be
able to learn it while creating a pyramid that you can hold in your hand.
Physical computing. The ability to embed interactivity or intelligence into everyday objects is another aspect of the
maker trend. Robotics may be the best-known form of this. Robotics kits, like
those made by Lego and Vex, hide all
the messy electronics and limit you to
already set projects and materials. But
microcontrollers like the Arduino make
circuitry more transparent, increasing
students’ understanding of electronics.
They also expand the range of
possible projects because you can
combine them with items from your
environment, such as broken toys,
craft materials, or appliance parts, to
construct inventions that interact with
their surroundings. The community
is continually inventing new shields,
which are small boards that piggyback
on the Arduino to add new functionality, such as wireless connectivity or
radio control. If you are a kid armed
with downloadable plans, sufficient
motivation, and a number of broken
refrigerators, you can even build your
own Arduino.
Microcontrollers are also surprisingly affordable. They continually increase
in power and functionality while the
cost remains low—about $25 for the
most popular Arduino standard board.
The web is also full of free “sketches,”
short programs you can use as is or
modify to control your projects.
To be able to assist students,
teachers will need to have a good
conceptual understanding of how
microcontrollers work, because
they’re always changing. For instance,
the blue board you bought last month
could now be red and have the pins in
a slightly different location. Luckily,
student leaders can learn these new
technologies, increasing your school’s
pool of expertise while building their
own skill sets and confidence.
Another exciting development is
new ways to create electronic cir-
cuitry. We have taken electronics for
granted for so long that most kids
know little about this phenomenon
that shapes our lives. Now they can
learn the basics while making their
own interactive greeting cards and
hand-drawn or light-up pop-up books
with conductive pens, Circuit Stickers,
and metallic tape. They can whip up
The ISTE Standards and Making in the Classroom
Here are a few ways that making meets the ISTE Standards (formerly the NETS).
ISTE Standards for Students
Standard 2: Communication and Collaboration. Tinkering and making support collaborative,
iterative design methodology, where student-centered projects prepare students for real-world
challenges in careers and college.
Standard 4: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making. Problem solving and critical
thinking are necessary when there are no answers in the back of the book and teachers and
students are both co-learners and co-teachers. Giving students the chance to be not just objects
of change, but agents of change, creates a classroom that is dynamic and student centered.
Standard 6: Technology Concepts and Operations. Making in the classroom gives students
a chance to go beyond using technology in predictable ways and ride on the cutting edge
of a global revolution in technology. Topics that were once too complex, such as 3D design,
electronics, feedback, data analysis, and computer-controlled graphics, are now accessible
to students before college.
ISTE Standards for Teachers
Teachers can find new challenges and learning opportunities with maker technology
and pedagogy that embraces the enthusiasm and attitude of the maker movement.
ISTE Standards for Administrators
Administrators who want to be digital age leaders can emulate the “get it done” mindset of
the maker movement to encourage a learning environment of digital age challenge, excellence,
and collaboration.
ISTE Standards for Technology Coaches
By learning more about the maker movement, technology coaches can add more tools to their
toolkit for preparing other teachers to meet the challenges of digital age learning and teaching.
Perhaps the best educational outcome of the maker movement is the new ways that project-based learning can come to life, especially in STEM subjects.
ISTE Standards for Computer Science Educators
The ISTE Standards·CSE advocate for teachers to be passionate learners themselves in the
fast-paced world of computer science. Teachers can model lifelong learning and passion for
the myriad opportunities that come from exploring microcontrollers, sensors, robotics, and
other technologies that connect the digital world to the analog world, creating even more
authentic opportunities for computer science.
When educators embrace a more expansive view of computing,
provide access to a variety of high- and low-tech construction
materials, and encourage choice in project selection, a larger
population of children will enjoy rewarding computing experiences.
