The original plans where provided by a woodworking website, but I had to adjust the dimensions to meet my needs. In order to do this, I made my changes and then consulted an online forum on whether I was on the right track. A major benefit of the social forum that is perpetuated by mobile technology is the fact that many people post their own work and reflections on technique, meaning I had many examples to base my own work upon and refine my practice. There were also many people who provided step-by-step instructions in either video or instructional form, meaning that I could select a method that made the most sense to me and matched my (beginner) comprehension level. These resources also showed me other projects that could be completed with similar skillsets. 

 

Having access to differentiated information that provided a variety of perspectives would be very important for learners trying other DIY learning. Matching instruction to learning style helps to improve comprehension and would also help to alleviate some frustration that may be felt when dealing with unclear/vague instructions. I also felt that my learning was driven by my inquiry, improving my motivation to learn and to do so at my own pace. 

Benefits for learning?

This made me realize the importance of experiential learning in a real context as well as the central place of problem solving in learning. I think that a DIY project in class with students must be centered on real needs. For example, if I hadn't had to redo the plumbing and electrical in my bathroom, I would have no interest in plumbing or electrical. Here I was doing it for me and it was going to come in handy. Also, I did it at my own pace without pressure. I believe this is the key to the success of DIY in the classroom: encouraging projects that will be useful to students and giving them time. Last year, as an end-of-year MYP, I had a student who built his own beehive. I was very motivated! At the end of the summer, he came to bring me a jar of honey. He was so proud and he learned so much. It was not a classic science or math class, but he learned a lot implicitly about these two disciplines and probably this learning will last much longer than the algebra exam.

Mobile Culture?

In a context of mobile culture, I believe that the accessibility of the smartphone is what makes DIY the most useful. I'm not someone who goes looking for a DIY project just to keep me busy, not sure I would use an App for that, but when I have an urgent problem, having a video on my phone becomes the best way to find a quick solution. For example, when I was in front of electric wires of all colors, many times I watched videos explaining electrical connections.

The downside?

A DIY project as I explain it, in connection (!) with electricity, can be dangerous. Also, I have research skills to find relevant DIY videos with reliable sources, but not everyone does. The DIY TSLAK app is safe, but that's another good question to reflect on: What should the limits of DIY be?

Great job on the DIY resource! I am an avid believer in DIY. Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of learning and Zone of Proximal Development presents that teachers can help a learner bridge the space between what a learner knows and what they do not know without the support of an instructor. Having information at your fingertips on mobile devices makes it easy to find knowledgeable teachers.    

 

My husband was trimming one of our apple trees. There were so many blossoms that I wondered if I could make tea from them (as I have had cherry blossom tea in Japan). I have a food dehydrator and checked resources online (as I wanted to make sure apple blossom tea was safe to drink). I gave away most of the tea in little jam jars with pretty labels, and the tea tastes a bit like chamomile. 

 

Your resource reminded me of how important it is for children to create so that they can experience creativity, the joy and knowledge they are capable of creating, and that making items can be more rewarding than buying them (and better for the environment). 

Tamaka

Although I've engaged in more tangible DIY projects, I thought I'd share this one regarding a DIY "service" (i.e. tourism). Navigation and translation apps are implicit to mobile culture, and perhaps have redefined how we explore this world. Similar to most DIY projects, these apps give amateurs/first-timers the confidence to carry out a project, or in this case, an adventure, without much professional assistance.

Personally, I've spent most of my time travelling around Asia (above pic is in Korea), and I wold be lost getting around without my phone. To be honest, I'd also be lost getting around Vancouver without my phone!