Abstract:

NEWTON is a large European Union project which develops state-of-the-art STEAM content (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and innovative technological-based solutions for technology-enhanced learning (TEL) and validates them with diverse target audiences, which include primary, secondary, university and special learning students in experiments and pilots deployed in multiple locations across Europe. These technologies involve not only adaptive and personalised multimedia and mulsemedia delivery, augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) support for special learners, virtual labs and gamification but also digital fabrication technologies, that are used in conjunction with different learning approaches including self-directed, game-based and problem-based learning methods. Fab Lab Madrid CEU, the digital fabrication laboratory based at CEU University participates in the NEWTON project which is now involved on the real-life validation that includes pilots and experiments targeting over 1000 students and forty teachers/lecturers from different schools, including schools with special learning students, universities and vocational institutes in seven European countries.

The current paper describes some of the experiments carried out in Fab Lab Madrid CEU using 3D printing technologies in coordination with CEU Sanchinarro School, ISEP CEU (Instituto Superior de Estudios Profesionales), Fundación Oxiria and EPS CEU (Escuela Politécnica Superior). Experiments involve the participation of primary school students, students with special needs and high-school students and target the use of the Fab Lab for STEAM subjects as a support tool oriented to fabricate small-scale prototypes to demonstrate and prove the concepts developed by the students in theoretical classes using a hands-on approach. All them provides students with a personalized learning environment that assist them during the whole fabrication and experimentation process establishing a clear link between theoretical concepts and their practical implementation.

Participants learn by designing and creating objects of personal interest. Empowered by the experience of making something themselves, they gain deep knowledge about the machines, the materials, the design process, and the engineering that goes into invention and innovation. In this educational settings, rather than relying on a fixed curriculum, learning happens in an engaging, personal context, one in which students go through a cycle of invention, design, prototyping, reflection, and iteration as they find solutions to challenges bringing their ideas to life. The goal is to show the effectiveness of the Fab Lab environment as a learning tool to develop among students problem solving, collaborative skills and team commitment bringing emotion and motivation into design activities and raising their interest for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Art and Design.

Keywords:

Fab Lab, inclusive education, digital fabrication, technology.