Initiative Lead
University College Cork

Primary Contact
Dr Briony Supple
Briony.supple@ucc.ie

€25166

Enhancement across Disciplines

The aim of this T&L initiative is to establish UCC as a national leader in makerspaces for interdisciplinary teaching, learning and research. A makerspace is “a collaborative space…for making, learning, exploring…open to kids, adults, students, staff, entrepreneurs…has a variety of equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines…[1]”. Makerspaces already exist in UCC, in Cork City and across Ireland. Yet a clear rationale and shared vision for how to utilise existing or prospective spaces is lacking. There is a risk of duplication, poor use of resources, misuse of the spaces and missed opportunities to evidence learning within these spaces.

Methods:

Proposed workpackages

Investigate state of the actual:

• Benchmarking exercise re: good practice in Makerspace usage in Higher Education and in broader community/creative settings
• Literature review for an evidence base to demonstrate the impact of makerspaces in supporting informal learning and forging interdisciplinary/ cross-functional connections
• Audit of existing resources/directory of expertise within UCC and the broader community

Establish state of the art baseline:

• Consultation with stakeholders re: emerging MakerMap (physical locations, willing partners)
• Investigation re: how might students/staff/community partners/ industry partners utilise spaces and connect across disciplines and expertise?
• Development of white paper on potential application of MakerMap
• Pilot activities in new and existing Makerspaces

Expected outcomes:

1. The establishment of a network of spaces and people
2. Evidence of stakeholder needs
3. Creating a good practice guide to include case studies, dos and don’ts, ideas for teaching and learning, how to connect across multiple makerspace sites within the University and the broader community

[1] makerspace.com