Last year when our Art teacher retired, she gave me a box of supplies she received at a conference but never had a chance to use. I expected to see markers, paints or perhaps various other craft supplies that I could use in some of my storytime activities. However, when I opened the box several days later, I was quite surprised to find eight Makey Makey kits! While I had never used one, I had heard about them at various conferences and meetings in the past. Despite my eagerness to learn more about them, they got pushed to the side so I could tackle book orders, book fair week and all of the other "back to school" items on my list. This assignment allowed me to dig back into that box and learn more about these Makey Makey kits with the hopes of implementing them into the library lessons soon.
According to one website, the Makey Makey kit can "turn everyday objects into touchpads and combine them with the internet. It’s a simple invention kit for beginners and experts doing art, engineering, and everything in between. With the Makey Makey, students can make any conductive material act as the input device for a computer. Because it comes preprogrammed, students with no coding experience can use it and learn to experiment with it as they start to learn coding." (MakeyMakeyK12.com - Introduction, n.d.) The Makey Makey uses the understanding of conductivity and circuits to help students control their computer using a variety of objects- bananas, clay, pencil lead, water, just to name a few! I can't think of a more exciting way to help students learn and explore how circuits work.
Product Explanation Video- ([Makey Makey], 2019)
In reading about the different technology-enabled learning models, the RAT model caught my attention. I like its simplicity when thinking about how the use of technology compliments classroom instruction. In applying it to the use of the Makey Makey kits, I would say that it certainly falls into the Transformation category. These kits allow students to take the basic understanding of completing circuits to create a variety inventions such as game controllers, musical instruments and even talking illustrations! The possibilities are endless and the fun and excitement for learning and creating are sure to be bountiful.
(R.A.T. Model, 2016)
There are a lot of resources available to help educators use Makey Makey kits in a variety of grade levels. I have linked a few below that I found especially helpful as I prepare to introduce them into our lessons.
Need help or want to learn more about the Makey Makey Kits?
Check out these resources by clicking on each photo.
Hello! Thank you for sharing Makey Makey! I've heard other librarians mention it several times but I did not what it was or how it could be used in the library. Makey Makey seems like an excellent real-life coding experience for students. I will definitely consider introducing this technology into my library.
Makey Makey is such a fun coding tool. The video you posted shows so many ways that this technology could be used in the classroom. I was in our own storage room and saw a Makey Makey kit and wondered how I could use it in our library. Thank you for the information and the resources. I will be looking into how this tool can be used to get students excited about STEM!
I have not tried a makey makey - I too uncovered some robots in a drawer and hate to say, I quickly shut the drawer and haven't looked at them again - terrible, I know! The leap from straight library programming to making and robotics seems too far a leap for me right now, but I know I need to work with the TLC and find a way to partner in getting something done in that arena. Please let me know what you decide to do to work them in to your curriculum.
I have never heard of Makey Makey but I watched the video, and I am really impressed. This invention was well thought of and is a joy, I;m sure, for those who may find themselves in need of them. They are very purposeful and was created with intentionality.
Hello! Thank you for sharing Makey Makey! I've heard other librarians mention it several times but I did not what it was or how it could be used in the library. Makey Makey seems like an excellent real-life coding experience for students. I will definitely consider introducing this technology into my library.
ReplyDeleteOops! Comment by Whitney Tyler.
DeleteMakey Makey is such a fun coding tool. The video you posted shows so many ways that this technology could be used in the classroom. I was in our own storage room and saw a Makey Makey kit and wondered how I could use it in our library. Thank you for the information and the resources. I will be looking into how this tool can be used to get students excited about STEM!
ReplyDeleteChristine Donaldson
I have not tried a makey makey - I too uncovered some robots in a drawer and hate to say, I quickly shut the drawer and haven't looked at them again - terrible, I know! The leap from straight library programming to making and robotics seems too far a leap for me right now, but I know I need to work with the TLC and find a way to partner in getting something done in that arena. Please let me know what you decide to do to work them in to your curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Makey Makey but I watched the video, and I am really impressed. This invention was well thought of and is a joy, I;m sure, for those who may find themselves in need of them. They are very purposeful and was created with intentionality.
ReplyDelete