Development and operation of emerging technologies labs and makerspaces in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis : a case study

Abstract

While the technological dimension of our digital world is advancing at a rapid pace, the Covid-19 crisis has revealed that the digital transformation and readiness of schools and adult education, is having difficulties in adapting and keeping up. However, at the same time, the crisis has exposed the importance and central role of digital technologies and above all, digital literacy as an underpinning pedagogical approach, within education systems, as well as in our professional and personal lives. Emerging Technologies Labs and Makerspaces or hybrid versions of both are one possibility to get further training in the field of digital transformation and readiness. These labs can be bound to one location or even offer mobile functionalities and can be used by elementary schools to universities and adult education. The specific objective for appropriate use, depends on the equipment, but above all, on the underlying learning and pedagogical models. In this paper, the authors discuss two important aspects: (i) What makes a successful Emerging Technologies Lab / a well-designed Makerspace? (ii) Which good practices and approaches are commendable and why? As such, this paper takes an explorative approach to identify the underpinning value of Emerging Technologies Lab and Makerspaces, vis-à-vis the digital transformation and readiness in the educational sector. This will be achieved through a mixed methods approach involving an online survey, followed by expert statements and an introduction of role models.