“FabLearn is a network, research collaborative, and vision of learning for the 21st century.” (https://fablearn.org/about/) Focused on integrating the principles of makerspaces and constructionist learning into K-12 education, FabLearn supports educators, researchers, and policy makers all over the world. CMLTD professor Dr. Paulo Blikstein is the founder and Faculty Director of FabLearn and the Global Chair of the FabLearn conferences.
FabLearn Italy 2020 took place virtually, from December 14 - 18. This year, the theme of the conference was “Schools facing the COVID-19 emergency: perspectives and answers from Maker, Coding, Robotics, and learning environments.” During such difficult educational circumstances, this theme helped participants and attendees to think through some of the lessons we can learn from maker education as we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference consisted of lectures, round tables, scientific presentations, and posters, all of which focused on the latest innovations in digital fabrication. With roundtables discussing everything from “Laboratory teaching with maker approach from Distance Teaching to Integrated Digital Teaching” to “When drones fly and dive,” the sessions during the conference truly spanned a wide range of topics. There were also a number of interesting poster presentations such as “Bertoo - Robot Assistant Librarian” and “The project of new schools for the regeneration of smaller urban centers,” which can be found in the Fablearn Italy 2020 Conference digital poster gallery!
FabLearn Europe 2021 will take place from June 2-3, 2021 — we’re already looking forward to it!