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Lighting Bridges Through Collaborative Spaces. New England Association of Schools and Colleges Annual Conference: “Educational Effectiveness through Accreditation”. Paula L. S. Rees Director of Diversity Programs College of Engineering, UMass Amherst. December 8, 2016. Overview.
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Lighting Bridges Through Collaborative Spaces New England Association of Schools and Colleges Annual Conference: “Educational Effectiveness through Accreditation” Paula L. S. Rees Director of Diversity Programs College of Engineering, UMass Amherst December 8, 2016 College of Engineering
Overview • The allure and promise • UMass Amherst Engineering’s blended & collaborative approach • Departmental spaces • Courses • “Town-Gown” initiatives • Motivations • Looking forward College of Engineering
Allure and Promise The “Maker” movement represents: • A logical extension or synthesis of current trends in education • An emerging work-life model of youth (neoliberal economy) What is the proper role in our formal versus informal learning environments? College of Engineering
Our Approach: Departmental Spaces Electrical & Computer Engineering “M5” is an educational initiative of the department designed to provide new dimensions to the UMass Amherst ECE experience. College of Engineering
Our Approach: Departmental Spaces Mechanical & Industrial Engineering The Exploratorium and Innovation Makerspace are designed to facilitate student collaboration, professional development, and support both academic and personal projects. College of Engineering
Our Approach: Courses • 1-credit “Maker” courses ECE 297 & 497 – Design Project • NRC 497MS Special Topics College of Engineering
Our Approach: Courses ECE 297B Queer Lights A collaboration between Engineering, the Stonewall Center, and the Student Union Craft Center. College of Engineering
Our Approach: Makers @ Amherst Media, Outreach College of Engineering
Motivations: Engineering the future • University educational impact • Spaces • Students’ passion for engineering • Skills • K12 educational impact • Role models • Enrichment • Joy of exploration • Promoting diversity • Engagement • Discussion College of Engineering
Looking forward • University level • Maker Saturdays (or Sundays) • Courses • Outreach • Amherst Regional School District • Help develop a “maker” course within their curriculum • Mentors • Amherst Media • Summer camp(s) • Workshops • Drop-in support College of Engineering
Looking forward • What is the proper balance - curriculum versus club house? • How do we create environments that are welcoming of all? • What are the key elements? • Where are we putting resources? Why? • Do town-gown making efforts make sense? • Are we doing any good? How do we know? College of Engineering
Looking forward – Lighting Bridges College of Engineering
Acknowledgements MIE and ECE Departments Dave McLaughlin (Engineering) Charlie Schweik (ECO/Pub Policy) Steve D. Brewer (Biology) Christine Olson (Communications) Makers @ Amherst Media Lots of students!