Fostering innovation: Special education students in Ohio University's CoLab

An Ohio University special education class collaborated with the CoLab to create projects to help children with disabilities during the fall semester.

The students in Dr. Jen Newton’s EDSP 4500 course utilized the CoLab’s Makerspace, which houses sewing machines, Cricut smart cutting machines, an embroidery machine, 3D printers, and other craft supplies. The supplies were used to develop assistive technology for students with disabilities. 

The Patton College of Education course is designed to give Ohio University students exposure to working with children with disabilities that include possible complex communication needs. Many of the students’ projects explored augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technology. 

Located in Alden Library, the CoLab serves as a hub for innovation and collaboration at Ohio University, and the EDSP 4500 course showcased how technology and creativity can be integrated into education.

Sparking creativity

Newton shared her thoughts on how the experience in the CoLab has infused creativity into her students’ projects.

“This project provides them the opportunity to really think about how they can make something that their students can use,” Newton said.

She explained that since the course is related to developing assistive technology and augmentative communication for students with disabilities, it really is a meaningful project.

“When they were thinking about their ideas, they were not able to really conceptualize what they might be able to do. But when we got here, then their ideas started flowing, and they were able to really think about what they could possibly create,” Newton said. “Where we started five weeks ago and where we are today is such a huge leap.”

Newton also spoke on how she believes the CoLab has enhanced the experiential learning of her students.

“They've started to really love it here. I have students now coming here when it's not class time to work on their projects,” Newton said. She explained that some students have been coming to use the space for out-of-class activities, such as making shirts for others using the Cricket. 

“I like thinking about teachers as entrepreneurs," said Newton. She explained that she loves now being a part of using this space to benefit her own students and the broader community. 

Student thoughts

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A few students in the EDSP 4500 class shared their thoughts on their projects and experience in the CoLab.

Madison Tabor, special education major, worked on an interactive “How to Brush your Teeth” flipbook. She explained that this project allowed her to interact with classmates and their ideas while being in a creative space. She explained that she liked learning in a more interactive environment rather than having lectures in a classroom setting.

Andie Miller, special education major, explained that being around creative people who can encourage ideas and spark creativity has been great, and that her project has been challenging in a positive way.

Sophie Countryman and Evelyn Carpenter, both special education majors, explained that having their class in this setting has proved that even the smallest things can be very helpful toward the project. The flexibility of how the CoLab is arranged fosters much more creativity than traditional classroom seating rows. 

Some other projects that students worked on include adaptive scissors and an interactive frame to help first and second grade students with math facts. Assistive technologies such as these enhance children’s ability to perform tasks independently and develop critical motor, cognitive, and communication skills in a hands-on and interactive way.

The collaboration between the students and the CoLab proved to be a valuable experiential learning opportunity for the OHIO students, and it will benefit the students they will be teaching in the years to come.