SCAFFOLDing all abilities into makerspaces: a design framework for universal, accessible and intersectionally inclusive making and learning

Purpose

In response to the underexplored need for holistically inclusive makerspaces for learning, we put propose the “SCAFFOLD” framework, which considers equity, inclusion and accessibility in the design of spaces and activities for socioculturally diverse learners.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a universal design (UD) framework that is intersectionally inclusive for learners with diverse needs in makerspaces and maker activities. This paper provides conjecture mapping to put forth theoretical and empirical arguments for the design of holistically inclusive makerspaces that consider gender equity and cultural inclusivity, as well as accessibility for diverse learners with divergent and unique abilities and dis/abilities.

Findings

Combining related literature and three existing UD frameworks (i.e. UD, web accessibility and UD for learning) and prior research on equity and inclusivity in making, this paper proposes the integration of eight principles, which leverage individuals’ diverse abilities to become agentic makers: simplicity, collaboration, accessibility, flexibility, fail-safe, object-oriented, linkability and diversity.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers who have implemented conjecture maps (Lee et al., 2018) have found them to be useful for developing theory and learning designs grounded in research and practice. However, it should be noted that design research is iterative and contextual, and conjecture maps are effective in providing visibility and rigor, but are meant to be flexible and responsive to changes in context (Lee et al., 2018; Sandoval, 2014).

Originality/value

This paper provides practical guidelines and principles for researchers, educators, instructional designers and product developers to assess and redesign makerspaces and activities that are intersectionally and universally inclusive, equitable and accessible.

Files

Metadata

Work Title SCAFFOLDing all abilities into makerspaces: a design framework for universal, accessible and intersectionally inclusive making and learning
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. JooYoung Seo
  2. Gabriela Richard
Keyword
  1. Equity
  2. Universal design
  3. Education
  4. Inclusivity
  5. Accessibility
  6. Scaffold
  7. Makerspaces
  8. Maker education
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Information and Learning Sciences
Publication Date November 1, 2021
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. doi.org/10.1108/ILS-10-2020-0230
Deposited April 15, 2023

Versions

Analytics

Collections

This resource is currently not in any collection.

Work History

Version 1
published

  • Created
  • Updated
  • Added Creator JooYoung Seo
  • Added Creator Gabriela Richard
  • Added Seo-Richard_ScaffoldingAllAbilities.pdf
  • Updated Source, License Show Changes
    Source
    • Information and Learning Sciences
    License
    • https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/
  • Published
  • Updated Source, Keyword, Publisher, and 2 more Show Changes
    Source
    • Information and Learning Sciences
    Keyword
    • Equity, Universal design, Education, Inclusivity, Accessibility, Scaffold, Makerspaces, maker education
    • Equity, Universal design, Education, Inclusivity, Accessibility, Scaffold, Makerspaces, Maker education
    Publisher
    • Emerald Publishing Limited
    • Information and Learning Sciences
    Publisher Identifier (DOI)
    • 10.1108/ILS-10-2020-0230
    • doi.org/10.1108/ILS-10-2020-0230
    Publication Date
    • 2021
    • 2021-11-01
  • Updated