A1-

Maker movement is plain and simple, getting kids to create. This can be made into a more specific focus or kept broad. I have seen a maker focus on inventions to solve problems, service oriented: creating items for people in shelters, hospitals, etc. Technology integration is going to focus more around making technology a natural part of instruction, student use to create and submit work. I hope that makes sense. If you would like to discuss further and in more detail, I would love to help! rebeccaschnekser@capehenry.org

A2-

I feel there is a huge difference. Makerspaces are not all about technology. It is about wondering, tinkering, play, and open exploration. We have had kids sew, make musical instruments out of garbage. We have created our own photo booth. Book characters to their reading with our 3D printers. We have used Drones, and Sphero robotics in math and science classes. We have made paper creations. We have used Popsicle sticks to create boats and cars that then get motors hooked up to run. Technology Integration is just best practices in teaching. We should be integrating technology into what we are doing every day with kids. Bring the world to them through the use of the technology.

A3-

From my perspective, the driving force of the maker movement is based on empowering both adults and students alike with powerful tools and ideas that allow them to shape their world. This mindset, derived from trial and error, mistakes and failures, as well as successes, come from having the opportunity to create personally meaningful artifacts – from poetry and paintings to computer programming and 3D printing. While this often involves technology driven tools, the focus is on the environment that we create for learners, which is based on mutual respect and cooperation. Technology integration and related ideas such as EdTech on the other hand, tend to focus on various hardware/software based “solutions” that focus on efficiency or consumption of media, rather than on empowering users to create and make.

A4-

Technology integration might or might not involve making. Lessons might be prescribed and standard. The maker movement emphasizes the process over the product as the students research, apply their knowledge, create prototypes, test, develop new ways to solve the problem, etc. It is a process that can take many directions. It involves meeting obstacles, “failing,” and creative problem solving. Making can involve both low tech and high tech.