Share Paper: Making of an Open Makerspace in a Secondary Vocational School in Austria: Development, Activities, User Behaviour and Gender Balance

  1. Nanna Nora Sagbauer, Educational Technology, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria, Austria
  2. Klaus Stocker, HTL Hollabrunn, 2020 Hollabrunn, Austria, Austria
  3. Michael Pollak, Educational Technology, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria, Austria
  4. Martin Ebner, Educational Technology, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria, Austria
Thursday, July 8 12:00-12:20 PM Room 4

Abstract: This research shows the development process of an open makerspace on the premises of a higher secondary vocational school (HTL) in Austria from 2017 till today. It illustrates the need for this space, the acquisition of initial funding and the legal framework. User policy and machinery are presented, as well as safety and security systems. An insight on the organizational structure is given. We present regular dedicated maker classes and curricular integration of the makerspace for K-12 students. Makerspace activities like maker challenges and holiday camps for divergent participants like primary school children and girls are discussed and the role ...