Share Paper: Exploring Maker Technology with Neurodiverse Youth in an Alternative Educational Setting

  1. Janette Hughes, Ontario Tech University, Canada
  2. Jennifer Laffier, Ontario Tech University, Canada
  3. Michelle Reiterer, Ontario Tech University, Canada
Tuesday, November 9 11:30-11:50 AM Room 1

Abstract: Exploratory research was conducted with neurodiverse adolescents in a maker space program. This project was a community partnership between a university and a school board’s alternative classroom for at-risk youth in Ontario, Canada. The purpose was to study the relationship between maker pedagogies and the development of students’ digital literacies and identities. Maker technologies explored in this research were: robotics, Cricut T-shirt design, coding, 3D printing and design. Data, such as observation reports, maker artifacts, and students notes were collected throughout the program. The findings indicate improved motivation and self-efficacy, opportunities to develop social skills, problem-solving and resiliency, collaboration and ...