The Potential of Makerspaces within the University to Aid in Student Professional Development

Authors

Sophia M. Medina, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Major/Program

English

First Advisor's Name

Vanessa Sohan

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Luke Thominet

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Shewonda Leger

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

makerspace, writing and rhetoric, multimodality, multimodal composition, digital literacy, Maker Movement, collaboration, learning, peer-learning, networking, creativity, corporate makerspaces

Date of Defense

3-26-2021

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates the potential positive impact makerspaces can have among humanities students who are seeking to pursue careers outside of academia. Although multimodal composition is encouraged within the humanities, lack of experience, resources, and guidance becomes a barrier for students to gain many of the technological expertise required in professional environments. In addition. many students struggle to exercise the work skills necessary within a corporate or technical environment. The makerspace can create opportunities for student development while preparing participants with career skills, such as digital literacy, collaboration, creativity, and networking. Through interviews conducted with facilitators and a company project collaborator, I investigate a corporate makerspace to support how these spaces can aid students seeking to prepare for their future endeavors. My findings discuss themes, such as learning, peer-learning, networking, collaboration, and creativity. These themes help to determine how the makerspace can aid in professional development if implemented within the university.

Identifier

FIDC009710

Recommended Citation

Medina, Sophia M., "The Potential of Makerspaces within the University to Aid in Student Professional Development" (2021). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4621.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4621