Research on technology and pedagogy, digital literacies, STEAM teaching and learning, and maker education makerspaces.
The STEAM-3D Maker Lab is a research group with a focus on researching best practices associated with technology and pedagogy. Our lab also studies the impact of making and makerspaces on the teaching and learning process, especially as these relate to STEAM education and the development of global skills and competencies. Other research themes include the impact of digital technologies and online learning on the teaching and learning process. Our lab primarily uses mixed and qualitative research methods, and we have a number of research collaborations with other faculties at Ontario Tech University, other universities (in Canada and abroad) and with various industry and school district partners.
Testing and analyzing the efficacy of various pedagogies and digital tools in a variety of education settings (elementary, secondary, post-secondary and industry settings).
- Arts and cultural industries
- Education
- Information and communication technologies and media
- Policy and governance
Specialized labs and equipment
Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
MakerBot | 3D printer |
MakerBot Digitizer | Digitizes 3D objects |
Cubicon 3D Printer | 3D printer |
Carvey | CNC Machine (Subtractive printer) |
| Cricut Explore Air 2 | Electronic cutting machine |
Sphero Robots | Programmable robot |
| k8 Robotics Kit | micro:bit-compatible modular robotics kit |
| LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 | Modular robotics kit |
BB-8 Robots | Programmable robot |
Bee-Bots | Programmable robot |
Ozobots | Programmable robot |
Dash Robots | Programmable robot |
Dot Robots | Programmable robot |
Cozmo Robots | Programmable robot |
Cubelets | Modular robotics |
Cue Robots | Programmable robot |
Jimu Robots | Programmable robot |
LEGO Boost Robot Kit | Programmable robot |
Ollie Robot | Programmable robot |
Misty II Robot | Programmable robot |
Osmo | Plugged and unplugged gaming accessory |
Bloxels | Plugged and unplugged gaming accessory |
Education Makedo Kits | Construction kits |
Makey Makey | Micro-controller and circuit kit |
Arduino Starter Kits | Circuit and programming kit |
LilyPads | E-textile kits |
Chibitronics kits | Paper circuit kits |
littleBits Circuit kits | Snap circuit kits |
micro:bits | E-textile kits |
iPads | Tablets |
MacBooks | Laptops |
DELL ChromeBooks and 2-in-1s | Laptops |
iPods | iPods |
Bernina sewing machine | Smart sewing and embroidery machine |
Silver Reed knitting machine | Knitting machine |
View-Master Merge VR EVO VR Utopia 360 PS4 VR | Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) headsets |
Toughsty Spy Glasses | Eye glasses with cameras |
Insta360 ONE X | 360 degree camera |
GoPro | Action camera |
Logitech cameras | Video conferencing camera |
Yeti microphone | Conferencing mic |
Jabra Speak 510 | Wireless bluetooth microphone/speaker |
Private and public sector research partners
- InkSmith
- Regional Municipality of Durham
- NASA
- First Nations, Metis & Inuit Educators Association of Ontario (FNMIEAO)
- Ontario Ministry of Education
- Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE)
- DELL/EMC Canada
- The Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences
- Math Knowledge Network (MKN)
- Mining Matters
- Tech for Good Canada
- Convergence.Tech
Additional information
Title | URL |
|---|---|
| Education's Next Act: A researcher in e-learning and expert in digital literacy is a first responder for a flailing school system struggling to transition to the post-pandemic way of teaching | https://www.innovation.ca/story/educations-next-act |
The Digital Principal | |
Tech training for Somersfield teachers | http://www.royalgazette.com/education/article/20190829/tech-training-for-somersfield-teachers |
Durham researchers aim to teach kids about future of artificial intelligence | |
STEAM Education, 21st Century Skills & Makerspaces | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2W4C-BlY8E&feature=youtu.be |
Science 3D: Discovery, Design & Development through Makerspaces | http://janettehughes.ca/lab/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/OERE-Article-Makerspace-18.01.31.pdf |