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Lighting Bridges Through Collaborative Spaces

Explore College of Engineering's blended approach, departmental initiatives, and "Maker" movement's impact on educational effectiveness at NEASC Annual Conference. Learn about innovative initiatives, courses, and motivations driving engineering education forward. Discover ways to foster diversity, engagement, and exploration within academic and personal projects.

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Lighting Bridges Through Collaborative Spaces

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  1. 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

  2. Overview • The allure and promise • UMass Amherst Engineering’s blended & collaborative approach • Departmental spaces • Courses • “Town-Gown” initiatives • Motivations • Looking forward College of Engineering

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Our Approach: Courses • 1-credit “Maker” courses ECE 297 & 497 – Design Project • NRC 497MS Special Topics College of Engineering

  7. Our Approach: Courses ECE 297B Queer Lights A collaboration between Engineering, the Stonewall Center, and the Student Union Craft Center. College of Engineering

  8. Our Approach: Makers @ Amherst Media, Outreach College of Engineering

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Looking forward – Lighting Bridges College of Engineering

  13. 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!

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