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How should we introduce novice makers to basic skills?

3 hours is all you need!

Contributed by s.murthy in response to How should we introduce novice makers to basic skills?

Summary

The Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education at Northeastern has a thriving offering of evening workshops in which student instructors teach the basics of Arduino and 3-D printing to an audience of beginners. Each workshop is limited to 20 students (or staff/faculty) and materials and resources (such as Arduino boards) are provided for free b the Center. A resources page has key information for follow-on learning: http://www.northeastern.edu/sherman/upcoming-events/resources/

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Training

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About this Solution

At universities, education tends to be very compartmentalized by discipline.  As a result, most students are not exposed to design and fabrication techniques associated with making.  However, much knowledge exists in the form of knowledgeable student and online resources to easily teach basics to the many students who are interested.  At Northeastern's Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education, we have successfully eliminated the barrier to learning maker techniques by introducing and growing a program of evening workshops. 

Details

Over a span of 2-3 hours, a complete beginner can learn all the basics associated with Arduino or 3D printing and leave with knowledge of tools and resources available within and beyond our institution. More advanced workshops are offered to interested students.

Using the Solution

Every institution is bound to have a group of students who are advanced makers.  By providing classroom space and minimal resources (e.g. Arduino boards, access to a basic 3d printer and plastic spools) and appropriately incentivizing the student leaders, a program of evening workshops can be created and sustained.

Acknowledgements/Credits

Student instructors and workshop creators:  Matt Voska, Chris Canal, Naoki Yokoyama

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