Discussion: The DIY (Do It Yourself) and Maker movements are being supported by the wealth of practical knowledge and sharing spaces blooming everywhere on the web, inspiring a Renaissance 2.0 of creativity. DIY Learning is a distinctively crowd-sourced and mobile phenomenon that encourages everyone to believe they can learn to do anything at a competent level if they just connect with the right communities and get to work.
523 Inspiration: Mobility is essential because it brings to hand inspirational global ideas, the guild-like support of craft communities, and just-in-time know-how. Mobile devices are the toolkit, manuals, training school and brainstorming hub for DIY Learning.
I think DIY learning fits analogously with STEAM or Self-driven Project-Based Learning, in which my school is moving towards. There is still however, a dire need for experts, to be able to facilitate all the effective learning towards troubleshooting projects that require complex analyses towards identifying a problem and deriving appropriate solutions based on many highly contextual and specific factors that only experience can overcome.
With STEAM learning though in which I will be helping build for the new Grade 6 cohort that we will have, is to hopefully enable students access to a plethora of different tools and technology within one space, to provide enough space for all students to approach DIY learning in a way that helps them achieve their own personal set goals, tasks, or projects, and that it becomes deeper learning than simply reading and regurigitating facts.
DIY learning as such I would assume would move towards where it becomes very communal, similar to how Reddit or Twitter become go-to spaces to ask for help from other experts, in addition to instructional videos, books or other resources that help guide an individual towards completing a task, such as building a model boat or fixing basic plumbing in their houses. I think an interesting realm is the use of AI, especially when it comes to DIY language learning, where even Duolingo now allows you to chat in different languages to build your active communication skills.
Mobile devices serve as the ultimate tools for DIY learning, providing access to a seamlessly never ending options for inspirational ideas, access to knowledge/communities, and just-in-time know-how. For instance, platforms like YouTube offer a vast repository of tutorial videos covering everything from woodworking to electronics, while social media groups (i.e. Reddit) provide forums for sharing tips and troubleshooting advice.
Moreover, emerging mobile technologies further augment the DIY Learning experience. One example that comes to mind are augmented reality (AR) applications, for example, offered by Ikea, that enable users to visualize how products will look in their spaces before purchasing or deciding on a DIY home renovation project. It’s really fascinating to see the progress in these technologies!
DIY learning has been my go to since 2012. However, the format of the learning has changed over the years and some need “Big Internet” (laptop) and “Small Internet” (phone). In my diploma program for both film and radio, YouTube videos were great sources of information for quick tasks. On the other hand Linda.com (now LinkedinLearning) was the go to for understanding large tasks or new programs. Now, it is more helpful for me to access further learning to enhance my own knowledge of concepts, especially as they relate to MET courses. Not to mention, the quick learning one can do by asking specific questions to AI Chat Bots is really elevating learning, and even several aspects of teaching.
I think DIY learning is helping people become smarter and helps people understand tasks, more than they would have in the past.
How have you used DIY learning specifically in your life?
The idea of DIY learning, like Devon mentioned, is not new. I use it often when I need to fix something around my house. Microwave isn’t working? There’s a YouTube video for that. Need to repair a washing machine, shower faucet, or replace my brake lights? I found multiple YouTube videos and then proceeded to learn how to make the repairs myself. The possibilities to shift learning to a passion and interest-based journey with a DIY or maker mindset seem to be endless. With that said, like most of my views on technology or resources, we need to proceed with caution. Teaching students to use that critical eye and logical thinking around the validity of the information they are receiving will become even more important but the shift to interest-based education, I think, will increase attention and retention.
DIY learning is a rather exciting topic; I’ve seen many students in New Brunswick participate in the Personal Interest Course to follow a self-guided and DIY curriculum. This course is relatively new, allowing students to dive deep into subjects they are interested in. From my experience, I’ve seen a lot of engagement from the students. It also seeems to follow constructivist views on education. It’s interesting to see what students can do in regards to DIY learning when supported and left accountable. I wonder how other jurisdictions will let students follow their dreams of learning.
Devon,
I agree with your historical excavation of the pervasive prescence of DIY makerspaces, traditionally popularized amidst a motivated, curious, and knowledgeable niche of individuals. Access and acceptance, as you have identified, are key factors in virtually retaining this trend for future generations. It was your second point, however, contrasting content creators and corporations, that deserves more attention. Professional amateurs may offer an opportunity to bypass companies thereby reduce economic friction for users and consumers. ProAms, however, may not be the most trusted source of repair at this time. Financial costs associated with excess consumption and purchasing power in a disposable society prevents participation by the economically disenfranchised and discourages inclusivity by intimidating user experience for the vulnerable. While dire, these social aspects, unfortunately, may be the lesser of the two evils when ecologically sacrifices are considered. How can the Maker Movement environmentally bridge traditional skills that are being forgotten in a digital age?
DIY learning has tremendous potential, and as mentioned in the other posts, it is extremely empowering for the learners. One of the biggest reasons for that is that it puts the learner in the driver’s seat. They are in-charge of their own learning. While we’ve all heard of and come across apps like Duolingo, Coursera, edX, Skillshare, there are apps like “Instructables” which have revolutionized the DIY learning world. They offer just-in-time and bite sized learning. As a learning designer, I see an incredible potential in DIY learning to empower individuals to create, learn, and share their projects.
The DIY movement is hardly new; old magazine articles show projects that rival YouTube offerings in terms of weirdness and disregard for safety; Heathkit offered electronics kits that went deep into how to build devices but also the underlying theory. I think there are a few modern trends that are moving DIY learning from a fringe to a more powerful movement:
1. Easier Access: One of the limiting factors for previous DIY learning endeavors was the ability to get people to know about them. Advertisements, even in specialist magazines, would have been somewhat expensive, so more niche offerings would have been harder to spread, even if the niche was large enough to be viable. Easier communication, marketing and search have been a massive aid for smaller markets.
2. Move from corporate entities: Previously, commercial offerings were dominant to deal with the logistics and marketing needed. Now, content creators can offer products directly to interested learners, removing the need for a business to adopt them.
3. Acceptance: Perhaps the biggest hurdle that is breaking down is the perception of DIY learning being only for hobbyists. As online and independent learning become recognized as valuable ways to obtain skills, their impact in social and economic spheres will increase, further supporting individuals who cater to these markets.
This frontier is frightening because it has the ability to transform the entire educational system that I am apart of, in which you have to ‘go to school’ to gain knowledge in a certain area or to learn how to do certain tasks. It is frightening for me professionally, but empowering for people and I see it in a positive light.
I think the DIY movement is relevant beyond creative or hands-on tasks, and is also relevant to my professional context in the accounting world. For example, it has become increasingly easier (with tools and information more accessible) for individuals to prepare and file their own personal tax returns. People no longer need to hire an accountant if they are willing to seek out the information online. Small businesses can do their bookkeeping through apps on their mobile devices and similarly, they may not need to hire an accountant to do these tasks.
While this frontier seems threatening from a professional level, the potential to transform what and how knowledge is gained seems endless.
Hi Shannon,
Interesting thoughts thank you for sharing. My hope would be that technology will make a CPA’s job faster and more efficient, creating more competition and driving the price down. However, to me one the most valuable (human) aspects about the CPA is acting as the communication bridge to the CRA as the CRA views them as a trustworthy source of information. Although most people can figure out how to do their taxes, smart money always uses accountants 😉 Do you think this rings true?
I’ve had the same thoughts about my profession. People can access so much of the information themselves that they come to me for, but at the end of the day, I think they want the human trust verification.
Hi Rich,
I’m sure that some people will always rely on an accountant or feel more comfortable with this approach, but among my students, I’ve seen a trend in them being more empowered and able to take certain activities into their own hands. For example, with platforms such as Questrade or Wealthsimple, people no longer have to rely on financial institutions to help facilitate transactions. If someone is motivated to learn, there is plenty of information out there for DIY learning.