Higher Education Makerspaces and Engineering Education

Abstract

While originating in non-academic settings, the “Maker Movement” has quickly made inroads within academia. More significant than the facility that may be referred to as a makerspace is the makerspace culture, including the community that forms around the physical facility and the activities (programs) of that community. This paper reviews the history of the maker-phenomenon, details the development of higher education makerspace cultures over the last five years, and explores the impact of makerspace cultures on mechanical engineering education. The makerspace culture at two higher education institutions is used to illustrate the effect on engineering education within each institution. The paper concludes with a review of common practices within the higher education makerspace ecosystem.