Hacking Reality: The Hackerspace Project and the Farming of Innovation

Presented at the Online Lifeline Conference, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia, February 16-17, 2012.A new phenomenon of creative engineering spaces or hackerspaces provides a unique opportunity to engage students in the process of innovation. Hackerspaces can be an engaging platform for students because they provide a more informal learning environment that focuses on creative solutions to technological problems. They also foster a sense of community and engagement among students through collective problem solving. They can also flourish with very little funding, which is crucial to any university in a time of tight budgets. This presentation will cover what hackerspaces are, implementation in a university setting, and potential benefits for institutions that host them