Author Archives
Diana Rendina, MLIS, is the media specialist at Tampa Preparatory, an independent 6-12 school. She was previously the media specialist at Stewart Middle Magnet School for seven years, where she founded their library makerspace. She is the creator of the blog RenovatedLearning.com & is also a monthly contributor to AASL Knowledge Quest. Diana is the winner of the 2016 ISTE Outstanding Young Educator Award, the 2015 ISTE Librarians Network Award, the 2015 AASL Frances Henne Award & the 2015 SLJ Build Something Bold Award. She is an international speaker on the Maker Movement and learning space design and has presented at conferences including AASL, FETC & ISTE. Diana co-authored Challenge-Based Learning in the School Library Makerspace and is the author of Reimagining Library Spaces: Transform Your Space on Any Budget.
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How to Connect Students to the World with the Cardboard Challenge
Makerspaces and maker projects can be amazing catalysts for connecting your students with others. The Imagination Foundation’s Global Cardboard Challenge is one of my favorite maker activities to help my students feel connected to the world and see the power of… Read More ›
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The Magic of Tidying Up Your Library
Tidying Up Your Life Last year, I read The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. I’ve read a lot of books on decluttering and organizing, but this was the first one that simultaneously resonated with me and annoyed… Read More ›
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How to Create Makerspace Procedures That Work
When we set up our libraries and classrooms, we create procedures to help keep things running smoothly. In the same way, we need to create makerspace procedures that help our students understand how to utilize and participate in our spaces…. Read More ›
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How to Deal When Things Go Wrong in Your Makerspace
If you solely went by my blog posts and Instagram feed, you might think that my makerspace is all rainbows and sunshine, that all of my students are 100% engaged all the time, always building insanely amazing projects and happily… Read More ›
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3 Unexpected Places for Summer Professional Development
Like many educators, I’ve got a summer of learning ahead of me. I’ll be attending and presenting at ISTE, attending webinars, getting Microsoft Innovative Educator Certification, and more. I’m also spending a lot of time researching as I work on… Read More ›
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3 Ways a MakerFair Can Be An Awesome Advocacy Tool
3 Ways a MakerFair Can Be an Awesome Advocacy Tool We just recently held our 3rd Annual Stewart MakerFair. It’s become a favorite event of mine during the school year, and my students always look forward to it. Our very… Read More ›
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How to Identify and Reframe Design Problems in Your Library Space
Figuring out the Design Problems in Your Space Many of us are rethinking and redesigning our library spaces. We have visions of flexible, mobile furnishings on wheels, beautiful charging stations, tools to support technology. And these are all great and… Read More ›
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How We Define Makerspaces
On March 14, 2016, I moderated #TLchat along with Melissa Ray. Our topic focused on bringing makerspaces and creativity into the library. Check out the full transcript of the chat – there were some amazing ideas and resources being passed… Read More ›
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How to Start a Makerspace When You’re Broke
Everyone’s Favorite Excuse I’ve had the honor and privilege of sharing with hundreds of librarians and educators about our makerspace. Unfortunately, I see many educators hold back on starting a makerspace because of funds. I’m always hearing excuses like: “I’d… Read More ›
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6 Active Learning Spaces Your Library Should Have
Active Learning Spaces In the book Get Active: Reimagining Learning Spaces for Student Success, the authors identify six types of active learning spaces that are essential for creating an engaging learning environment for students. While this research (and this book)… Read More ›