FabLab as an Innovative Educational Approach in Higher Education

Abstract

This chapter explores FabLabs as an innovative educational approach in higher education, originating from Professor Neil Gershenfeld's vision at MIT in 2001. FabLabs, or fabrication laboratories, are community-driven workshops that provide access to digital fabrication tools, enabling users to design and create physical objects from digital files. Their emergence in higher education is driven by the need for institutions to equip students with skills for the 21st-century workforce. By facilitating project-based, interdisciplinary learning, FabLabs allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, embodying the principles of constructionism. Moreover, they cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, inspiring novel ideas and prototypes in a collaborative, maker-centric environment. This chapter comprehensively examines the theoretical foundations, pedagogical strategies, and implementation considerations necessary for the successful integration of FabLabs, highlighting their benefits, challenges, and best practices in higher education settings.