Transcript
https://otter.ai/u/_mz8a3S4OVxE-L0SbiYC3S1Cr70?view=summary
The meeting discussed the impact of community-based learning initiatives, emphasizing the importance of support and collaboration. Participants highlighted the success of the Engineering Design Workshop (EDW) in fostering creativity and technical skills, with examples from Mexico and Italy. The Italian contingent shared their efforts to expand the EDW methodology in Italy, facing administrative challenges. The group proposed creating a platform to facilitate communication and resource sharing, and discussed the potential for expanding the program globally. They also emphasized the need for better infrastructure, such as a dedicated website, to support these initiatives and raise awareness.
Action Items
* Explore creating a website or online platform to better facilitate communication, resource sharing, and coordination between groups running similar programs.
* Reach out to the Italian group to include their perspectives and experiences in a document/article to help promote the EDW model.
* Investigate ways to engage with companies like Arduino to potentially collaborate on supporting the expansion of the EDW program.
* Share information about the Interphase presentations happening on Monday by the group from the afternoon program.
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The Power of Community and Support in Hands-On Learning
We all just experienced something powerful together—something most of us enjoyed. The essence of this program wasn’t just about the projects we built, but the community we created while doing them. We supported each other, we took risks, and we grew. This is the kind of experience that’s often missing in schools. While you can't run all of education like this, leaving it out entirely is like trying to learn without oxygen—what’s the point of learning if it doesn’t connect to real life or a supportive community?
A Vision for Global Impact and Collaboration
There’s a possibility that we, as a group, could help others—like schools in Italy or Barcelona—grow similar communities. Maybe you’ll help out with the Barcelona hackathon in October, or share your circuit-tuning keyboard project with them. Being in one room together created a sense of shared purpose. Can we become a kind of research and support center that helps others create this feeling in their own communities, adapted to local culture but rooted in the same structure?
Spreading the Methodology and Mentorship
You now carry this experience with you. You’ve seen firsthand that this model works—it leads to exciting projects, meaningful connections, and real learning. Many of your mentors have been through EDW before and understand the approach. Now you do too. So how can you help others see the value? Some of you may return as mentors, but how can we scale this beyond our own circles? We’re not just looking for answers—but if you have any, we’ll gladly take them!
Exponential Growth Through Shared Experience
There’s definitely interest in this kind of work. Just look at Mexico—there’s a strong student interest there, and the seeds you’ve planted are already growing. Two years ago, only Tony came. Then Tony brought Kami and Anil. Now they’ve returned with even more of you. That’s exponential growth. You have the power to do the same. We’re here to support you as you “infect” your hometowns with this mindset.
Student-Led Expansion: The Sanger Hackathon
One of our students shared their story of organizing a hackathon in Sanger, California. It was a condensed version of what we’ve done here—one day of ideation, three days of building, and presentations on the last day. Students who were dragged in by their parents ended up coming in early because they were excited to work. Projects included an electric skateboard, a roller coaster, and an electric violin—all built in just three days. This shows the transformational power of hands-on, student-driven learning.
Breaking Barriers and Opening Possibilities
In places like Sanger, students often don’t see opportunities beyond their hometowns. They aren’t encouraged to explore or believe they can achieve more. But by being part of this experience, students begin to see new possibilities for themselves and others. They learn that they are capable and deserving of access to programs like this.
Reaching Local Communities and Changing Perceptions
At MIT, we’re encouraging students to reach out to their home communities. In October, some are heading to McAllen. Others are considering Providence. The idea is to make this approach visible and accessible—to show that yes, MIT and opportunities like it are within reach. Your experiences help change the narrative for students in places that might never have heard of programs like these.
Creating Infrastructure for Ongoing Connection
We need to build infrastructure that supports this kind of work—places where people can share ideas, get help, or find mentors. Maybe that’s a stronger online presence, or a platform where students can say, “Here’s my idea. Here’s what I need.” The Engineering Design Workshop website has been helpful, but it could be improved—made more user-friendly and better organized by type of project or need.
Sharing Tools and Creating Accessible Content
Some tools, like machine shop training, must be taught in person. Others—like coding or electronics—can be shared online. A platform that helps people find and use those tools, including in other languages, would go a long way. The experience in Denmark’s machine shop was eye-opening for some students—yes, these are dangerous tools, but with training, students can safely use them to do real engineering work.
Italian Students Expanding the Program at Home
Our Italian contingent described their ongoing program, started in 2018 in Zara. They meet weekly, brainstorm project ideas, and use the “learn by doing” method to bring hands-on learning into more Italian schools. They’ve brought the model to three schools so far, including ones in Rome and Maglie. Projects have included an electromagnetic coil gun, an electric fencing scoring system, and RC cars with remote driving capability.
Challenges with Administration and a Call to Action
Despite their success, they face challenges with Italian school administrations that don’t always support this approach. Their goal is to spread this type of education across Italy. Everyone should have the opportunity to work on something meaningful, not just a lucky few. To help make their case, they’ve written a document summarizing their projects, combining their input with summaries generated by ChatGPT.
An Invitation to Contribute Perspectives
We want to include voices from all participants. Would you prefer to read what the Italian students wrote first, or submit your own reflections? Either way, your contributions are welcome. Sharing a range of student perspectives—whether in article form, letter, or reflection—can help communicate the power of this program to educators, administrators, and funders.
Using AI to Share and Celebrate Student Projects
You can use tools like ChatGPT to turn reflections into articles, blog posts, or editorials. Some may be in Italian or Spanish. It's not just about translating language—it’s about capturing the local culture and voice. Sharing these stories helps us raise awareness, attract funding, and promote the value of the program globally.
Final Reflections and Next Steps
Chiara will share the link to the Italian students’ article. If you want to contribute, you can read it or just send in your thoughts. This project is about raising awareness, celebrating student success, and helping others launch similar programs. We’re open to contributions from everyone—whether it’s a technical project, a hackathon, or something else entirely.
Looking Forward to New Projects and Presentations
We’ll be taking pictures, handing out diplomas, and celebrating soon. If you have any final thoughts you want to share, now’s the time. If not, feel free to grab one of us later. And don’t forget—Monday there’s another presentation by students in the Interphase program who have been doing amazing work. You’ll get the info by email, and there will be a Zoom link for those who want to join remotely.
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