Embrace Diversity and Inclusion in Academic Makerspaces with a Network of Tutors (Work in Progress)

Abstract

The Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing [1] (a.k.a. the HKU Inno Wing) of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong hosts an academic makerspace aimed at fostering interdisciplinary hands-on learning among undergraduate students. Its user population has grown from 931 to over 2,800 students within two years after its launch. Such growth brings more diversity to the workspace in terms of study focuses, study years, skill levels, and cultural backgrounds. It also induces challenges to the accessibility and inclusion of the makerspace. The effectiveness of the makerspace depends on its commitment to embrace diversity and inclusion to create an open and welcoming environment that stimulates innovative ideas. This practice paper documents the challenges and opportunities we have encountered due to the inadequacy of diversity and inclusion in the center since its launch and our progress after two years of operation with the help of tutors. We also present the formation of a tutor network, which is designed to be diverse in terms of academic background and culture. An evaluation of the impact of our approach on makerspace diversity, inclusion, and equity is presented through the analysis of statistics and reflections from the tutors involved in the initiative. The study shows that our proposed tutor network can effectively serve as a role model for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic makerspaces for undergraduate students.