Crafting Inclusion: A Dynamic Multidisciplinary Approach to Engineering Education using Makerspaces

This work is an example of how an extracurricular program such as EduMakers social service in combination with the flexibility of an academic makerspace can provide a natural critical learning environment. Grounded on a challenge-based approach, at this social service students are asked to create inclusive educational materials; while doing this, they develop or enhance disciplinary and transversal competencies. We describe the operation of the social service that has extended to three campuses, its impact and outcomes. Over 250 students have participated and over thirty-two project ideas have been developed, some examples are described. The paper also discusses levels of student participation and what can make them persist over several periods, as well as causes for limited participation. It is possible to conclude that the success in creating a learning and productive environment is related to process of mentoring and the co-construction by a community of learning and practice. Indeed, the collaborative work and the leadership that students strengthen distinguishes them from other social service projects or academic communities. We trust that the discernment acquired through interactions with end users has paved the way for an understanding of the intricate interplay between social constructs, technological adaptations, and educational equity.