What is Fab Learning Academy and Why?

What is Fab Learning Academy?

Fab Learning Academy is a Global Certification program for educators using digital fabrication technologies in K-12 settings. This distributed education model works with a global faculty to support and grow the use of hands-on learning of the technologies.

The curriculum focuses on three domains to support educators in school makerspaces technology, innovative practices, and the science of learning.

Fab Learning Academy Distributed Educational Model

Fab Learning Academy offers a distributed rather than distance educational model, participating teachers learn in local Learning Nodes, with peers, mentors, and machines for the hands-on technology projects while connecting virtually for global masterclasses focusing on pedagogy and best practices for working with students.

Why Fab Learning for K-12?

Teachers can use digital fabrication technologies in schools to support learning through design and fabrication across any school subject. Meaning that K-12 students are not learning ABOUT technology, but learning THROUGH technology.

This approach to makerspace teaching includes the use of technlolgies with a focus on innovative practices through the science of learning.

What are Fab Labs?

Born out of MIT, Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) are equipped with an array of technology based tools that aim to make “almost anything.”

The fab lab movement is closely aligned with the DIY movement, open-source hardware, maker culture, and the free and open-source movement, and shares philosophy as well as technology with them.