Learning by Design Online Course

What is Learning by Design?

Makers Empire’s Learning by Design course is an evidence-based professional development program which helps schools use 3D design to effectively address Design & Technologies / Engineering Design curriculum, develop design thinking skills and build students’ creative confidence.

Throughout the course teachers and students will gain new skills, identify and address a real-world problem, and present their work at a showcase event.

The course is structured to support teachers in planning their projects, using design thinking processes, and engaging their students with current 3D technologies.

Courses are run with a minimum of 5 schools. Express your interest below and we’ll connect you with a network of like-minded teachers.

"This was the best PD that I have been involved in for ages... This whole project has been inspiring for teachers and students in empowering students to become changemakers. Our students were so engaged and excited about solving a real-world problem... The fact that they could see they could help someone through their own design, meant their learning was authentic and valued."

Evidence Based Learning

Learning by Design was the subject of a 12-month Macquarie University research study on makerspaces in primary school settings. The research study examined how maker activities using 3D design and 3D printing technology could enhance learning and teaching outcomes.

The research study report revealed the compelling benefits of this type of learning and showed that makerspaces can be highly effective at developing children’s creativity, critical thinking, design thinking and digital skills.

Students were highly engaged with the 3D technology, and the idea of solving genuine design challenges – it helped boost their confidence and resilience when dealing with setbacks, particularly for those less capable students. 

Teachers became more comfortable with technology, and more collaborative and flexible in their teaching.

“I would like to say thank you to the team. It has been a wonderful opportunity to be involved in this project and something my students have learnt a lot from. The support along the way has been very helpful and prompt, and that has made working with technology (which can be frustrating) more pleasurable.”

Course Inclusions

  • Up to 3 hours Makers Empire live training (with recorded webinars if you miss the live session)
  • 2 hours certified self-paced online professional development in Teacher Dashboard
  • Introduction to design thinking for elementary/middle school teachers live and recorded webinar (1.5 hours)
  • Introduction to Maker Pedagogy for elementary/middle school teachers live and recorded webinar (1.5 hours)
  • All teachers at the school can undertake the course and will receive a certificate of participation.

School will also receive: 

  • Makers Empire 12 month School Plan (rrp $1,999) with bonus 3 months i.e 12 + 3 = 15 months total (3D design software, teacher dashboard, 130 curriculum aligned lesson plans, built-in assessment, online PD, ongoing support, updates and maintenance)
  • A dedicated contact person for support.
Course fee: $1,499 per school

Course Structure

  • Week 1: Welcome, confirm teachers and conduct survey.
  • Week 2: Free trial account details sent to teachers/schools
  • Week 3: Teachers attend Makers Empire training (up to 3 hours). This will be a live online session which will also be available as a recording after the session.
  • Week 4: Teachers attend Introduction to Maker Pedagogy (up to 1.5 hours) This will be a live online session which will also be available as a recording after the session.
  • Week 5: Teachers attend Introduction to design thinking (up to 1.5 hours). This will be a live online session which will also be available as a recording after the session.
  • Week 6-7: Teacher design unit of work/project.
  • Weeks 8- 9: Online forum for sharing ideas and support.
  • Week 9-10: Teachers teach unit of work/project.
    Date of Maker Challenge: Projects showcased.

Videos made by schools during Learning by Design courses

Express Interest or Enroll

Interested and want to enroll for this course?

Next steps:

  1. Fill out this form.
  2. Makers Empire will send you more information, including a quote.
  3. School to place order to enroll into course by either: a) Pay online per payment details contained in the quote or b) submit Purchase Order to info@makersempire.com or c) Request an invoice to be sent.
    4. Makers Empire will send an order confirmation and course enrolment details to you and confirm an assigned instructor.
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