title: Social Learning: Does cooperation contribute to the learning of the makers?

authors: Fox-Turnbull, Wendy

subjects: collaboration and cooperation

abstract: This chapter explores the scope and nature of social learning evident in the Makerspace movement as identified by the cases studies presented previously. The makerspace movement is clearly situated within a constructionist paradigm, placing the learner centrally in the construction of artefacts. Because of its collaborative nature and the need for learners to become critical thinkers and makers Makerspace is well situated to ensure learners today are equipped with the necessary skills and dispositions essential to life in the 21st century.

This chapter draws on literature on three learning theories particularly relevant to makerspace philosophy. The first, Kolb’s Experiencing Learning theory, providing an excellent mechanism for teaching and learning design-based activities while placing learners at the centre of learning. The second, Social Learning Theory, describes the process of collaborative practice in a common activity with the aim of reaching an intended goal. Bandura suggests that Social Learning theory emphasises synthesis of behavioural events and human cognitive processes. This is relevant to makerspaces through the collaborative nature of design and development of artefacts-technological products and systems. The third theory is Social Partication Theory and draws together both learning through experience and learning socially and is therefore most pertinent to the Makerspace movement as it gives equal emphasis to working collaboratively and learning through doing.

To identify and discuss the scope and nature of social interaction, a modifed version of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory is applied. This Ecological Systems Model is modified to organise a discussion on the social interaction within the Makerspace case studies. Selected for its layering and spheres of influence the model gives a framework for the types of social interaction evidenced in the cases. In this section the cases presented are organised according to The Ecological Systems Model and categories in relation to their influence on learners.
To identify and discuss the scope and nature of social interaction, a modifed version of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory is applied. This Ecological Systems Model is modified to organise a discussion on the social interaction within the Makerspace case studies. Selected for its layering and spheres of influence the model gives a framework for the types of social interaction evidenced in the cases. In this section, the cases presented are organised according to The Ecological Systems Model and categories in relation to their influence on learners.

text: Social Learning: Does cooperation contribute to the learning of the makers? This chapter explores the scope and nature of social learning evident in the Makerspace movement as identified by the cases studies presented previously. The makerspace movement is clearly situated within a constructionist paradigm, placing the learner centrally in the construction of artefacts. Because of its collaborative nature and the need for learners to become critical thinkers and makers Makerspace is well situated to ensure learners today are equipped with the necessary skills and dispositions essential to life in the 21st century.

This chapter draws on literature on three learning theories particularly relevant to makerspace philosophy. The first, Kolb’s Experiencing Learning theory, providing an excellent mechanism for teaching and learning design-based activities while placing learners at the centre of learning. The second, Social Learning Theory, describes the process of collaborative practice in a common activity with the aim of reaching an intended goal. Bandura suggests that Social Learning theory emphasises synthesis of behavioural events and human cognitive processes. This is relevant to makerspaces through the collaborative nature of design and development of artefacts-technological products and systems. The third theory is Social Partication Theory and draws together both learning through experience and learning socially and is therefore most pertinent to the Makerspace movement as it gives equal emphasis to working collaboratively and learning through doing.

To identify and discuss the scope and nature of social interaction, a modifed version of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory is applied. This Ecological Systems Model is modified to organise a discussion on the social interaction within the Makerspace case studies. Selected for its layering and spheres of influence the model gives a framework for the types of social interaction evidenced in the cases. In this section the cases presented are organised according to The Ecological Systems Model and categories in relation to their influence on learners.
To identify and discuss the scope and nature of social interaction, a modifed version of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory is applied. This Ecological Systems Model is modified to organise a discussion on the social interaction within the Makerspace case studies. Selected for its layering and spheres of influence the model gives a framework for the types of social interaction evidenced in the cases. In this section, the cases presented are organised according to The Ecological Systems Model and categories in relation to their influence on learners.

year: 2023

title: Long-term isolation and recent range expansion from glacial refugia revealed for the endemic springtail Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni from Victoria Land, Antarctica

authors: Stevens, Mark I.

subjects: allozymes

abstract: We examined the phylogeography of the endemic Antarctic collembolan Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni using allozymes and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA; COI) to determine if potentially limited dispersal and long-term habitat fragmentation have promoted regional genetic differentiation. Allozyme analyses showed that differentiation among 21 populations within the Ross Dependency was high (FST = 0.55) with two main groups each representing a distinct geographical region: (1) Ross Island and Beaufort Island; and (2) all continental sites. Ross Island populations showed low levels of differentiation (FST = 0.05) and no correlation with geographical distance, suggesting their derivation from a single glacial refuge. By contrast, continental regions revealed moderate levels of differentiation (FST = 0.27) and a strong correlation with geographical distance, indicating a much older history with several refugia likely. Two sympatric allozyme genotypes were found at three continental sites from Taylor Valley and were congruent with two mtDNA haplotypes, implying nonrandom breeding groups. Although haplotype sharing between one Ross Island site (Cape Bird) and one continental site (Granite Harbour) was identified, the clades showed mostly fragmented allopatric distributions. The extensive Pleistocene glaciations, in conjunction with limited dispersal opportunities, appear to have promoted isolation and divergence among the fragmented habitats. Furthermore, the McMurdo Sound appears to be an effective isolating barrier to dispersal. However, we suggest that the unaided dispersal capacity of G. hodgsoni is unlikely to account for the limited mixing of haplotypes across the McMurdo Sound and recent human- or bird-mediated dispersal is highly probable.

text: Long-term isolation and recent range expansion from glacial refugia revealed for the endemic springtail Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni from Victoria Land, Antarctica We examined the phylogeography of the endemic Antarctic collembolan Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni using allozymes and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA; COI) to determine if potentially limited dispersal and long-term habitat fragmentation have promoted regional genetic differentiation. Allozyme analyses showed that differentiation among 21 populations within the Ross Dependency was high (FST = 0.55) with two main groups each representing a distinct geographical region: (1) Ross Island and Beaufort Island; and (2) all continental sites. Ross Island populations showed low levels of differentiation (FST = 0.05) and no correlation with geographical distance, suggesting their derivation from a single glacial refuge. By contrast, continental regions revealed moderate levels of differentiation (FST = 0.27) and a strong correlation with geographical distance, indicating a much older history with several refugia likely. Two sympatric allozyme genotypes were found at three continental sites from Taylor Valley and were congruent with two mtDNA haplotypes, implying nonrandom breeding groups. Although haplotype sharing between one Ross Island site (Cape Bird) and one continental site (Granite Harbour) was identified, the clades showed mostly fragmented allopatric distributions. The extensive Pleistocene glaciations, in conjunction with limited dispersal opportunities, appear to have promoted isolation and divergence among the fragmented habitats. Furthermore, the McMurdo Sound appears to be an effective isolating barrier to dispersal. However, we suggest that the unaided dispersal capacity of G. hodgsoni is unlikely to account for the limited mixing of haplotypes across the McMurdo Sound and recent human- or bird-mediated dispersal is highly probable.

year: 2010

title: Local values and the promotion and restoration of wetlands and their ecosystem services in Aotearoa-New Zealand: a case study of Tauranga’s planning regime

authors: Peat, Helen Ann

subjects: Environmental planning

abstract: Aligning wetlands restoration planning mechanisms with public perceptions and values can help gain support for and assistance with restoration. Using Tauranga as a case study, this thesis is an exploratory study that applies the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) framework to examine the extent to which New Zealand's planning regime incorporates local values in the promotion and restoration of wetlands and their ecosystem services.

This thesis used multiple qualitative research methods in a two-pronged process. A narrative literature review and systematic statutory analysis in phase one helped identify values associated with wetland ecosystem services and how New Zealand’s, and more specifically Tauranga’s, resource management system promotes and enables the restoration of wetlands and their ecosystem services. A case study approach with analysis of primary and secondary data in phase two helped identify what Tauranga local residents value as important wetland ecosystem services and the extent to which the local policy mechanisms reflect these values. 

Through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and summaries of submissions, this thesis identifies six dimensions that represent values towards wetland ecosystem services and their restoration in Tauranga. Other than one dimension that consists of a single value on education from the cultural services category of the MEA framework, the remaining five dimensions comprise services from within and between the framework categories. These dimensions are wetlands as nutrient- and mineral-rich areas that support biodiversity and provide habitat; that regulate water, act as natural flood plains and sequester carbon to help protect against climate change and natural hazards; that maintain Māori cultural practices; that remove nutrients and contaminants in water; and provide recreational and aesthetic experiences. Therefore, identified dimensions could form the basis of educational programmes and toolkits that promote wetlands restoration.

The systematic policy analysis and cross-comparison with the results of the thematic analysis found that Tauranga’s planning regime partially provides for each of the six dimensions. However, the nuances and complexities of the values, including the interconnected nature of wetlands values and services, are not captured. This means Tauranga’s planning regime does not fully incorporate local values in the promotion and restoration of wetlands and their ecosystem services. Bridging the gap between wetlands restoration provisions and wetland ecosystem service values is likely to be supported by enacting the current resource management reforms. Enacting the reforms would help reduce the number of policies and plans, implement regional spatial planning, and develop outcomes-based policy mechanisms that encompass ecological, social, cultural and spiritual values, including those associated with wetlands.

text: Local values and the promotion and restoration of wetlands and their ecosystem services in Aotearoa-New Zealand: a case study of Tauranga’s planning regime Aligning wetlands restoration planning mechanisms with public perceptions and values can help gain support for and assistance with restoration. Using Tauranga as a case study, this thesis is an exploratory study that applies the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) framework to examine the extent to which New Zealand's planning regime incorporates local values in the promotion and restoration of wetlands and their ecosystem services.

This thesis used multiple qualitative research methods in a two-pronged process. A narrative literature review and systematic statutory analysis in phase one helped identify values associated with wetland ecosystem services and how New Zealand’s, and more specifically Tauranga’s, resource management system promotes and enables the restoration of wetlands and their ecosystem services. A case study approach with analysis of primary and secondary data in phase two helped identify what Tauranga local residents value as important wetland ecosystem services and the extent to which the local policy mechanisms reflect these values. 

Through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and summaries of submissions, this thesis identifies six dimensions that represent values towards wetland ecosystem services and their restoration in Tauranga. Other than one dimension that consists of a single value on education from the cultural services category of the MEA framework, the remaining five dimensions comprise services from within and between the framework categories. These dimensions are wetlands as nutrient- and mineral-rich areas that support biodiversity and provide habitat; that regulate water, act as natural flood plains and sequester carbon to help protect against climate change and natural hazards; that maintain Māori cultural practices; that remove nutrients and contaminants in water; and provide recreational and aesthetic experiences. Therefore, identified dimensions could form the basis of educational programmes and toolkits that promote wetlands restoration.

The systematic policy analysis and cross-comparison with the results of the thematic analysis found that Tauranga’s planning regime partially provides for each of the six dimensions. However, the nuances and complexities of the values, including the interconnected nature of wetlands values and services, are not captured. This means Tauranga’s planning regime does not fully incorporate local values in the promotion and restoration of wetlands and their ecosystem services. Bridging the gap between wetlands restoration provisions and wetland ecosystem service values is likely to be supported by enacting the current resource management reforms. Enacting the reforms would help reduce the number of policies and plans, implement regional spatial planning, and develop outcomes-based policy mechanisms that encompass ecological, social, cultural and spiritual values, including those associated with wetlands.

year: 2022