EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Anjali Khirwadkar; Shannon Welbourn; Candace Figg

doi:10.55020/iojpe.1672265

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of makerspaces in early childhood education. It emphasizes the impact of play-based learning on children’s cognitive development and attitudes towards learning. Quality early childhood learning encourages positive attitudes toward learning and school, fostering strength, confidence, and resilience. The study focuses on implementing makerspaces, defined as environments for creative exploration and cognitive engagement through play. Participants in a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECE) program engaged in a virtual, mathematics-focused makerspace. This study aimed to understand participants’ perceptions of makerspaces as effective learning environments for early learners. Participants were tasked with taking part in making activities like coding, beading, origami, and 3D construction, which connected mathematical concepts to real-world applications. Results indicated that makerspaces support the development of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK). Participants also found these environments promoted digital literacy, confidence, creativity, critical thinking, and fine motor skill development. The study further highlighted the role of makerspaces in building learning communities involving children, parents, and teachers, and the significance of incorporating technology in early childhood education.

Keywords

Math makerspace, early childhood education, TPACK.

Ethical Statement

The authors of the study acted in accordance with ethical rules in all processes of the research. There are no individuals or financial relationships that could be perceived as potential conflicts of interest related to this study.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Primary Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Anjali Khirwadkar ^*
0009-0006-5705-4976
Canada

Shannon Welbourn
0009-0005-8119-6774
Canada

Candace Figg This is me
0009-0005-6409-6528
Canada

Publication Date

September 30, 2025

Submission Date

April 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 4, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 14 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.55020/iojpe.1672265

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA97ST84HG

APA

Khirwadkar, A., Welbourn, S., & Figg, C. (2025). EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. International Online Journal of Primary Education, 14(3), 88-98. https://doi.org/10.55020/iojpe.1672265

AMA

1.Khirwadkar A, Welbourn S, Figg C. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. Int. Online J. Prim. Educ. 2025;14(3):88-98. doi:10.55020/iojpe.1672265

Chicago

Khirwadkar, Anjali, Shannon Welbourn, and Candace Figg. 2025. “EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS”. International Online Journal of Primary Education 14 (3): 88-98. https://doi.org/10.55020/iojpe.1672265.

EndNote

Khirwadkar A, Welbourn S, Figg C (September 1, 2025) EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. International Online Journal of Primary Education 14 3 88–98.

IEEE

[1]A. Khirwadkar, S. Welbourn, and C. Figg, “EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS”, Int. Online J. Prim. Educ., vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 88–98, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.55020/iojpe.1672265.

ISNAD

Khirwadkar, Anjali - Welbourn, Shannon - Figg, Candace. “EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS”. International Online Journal of Primary Education 14/3 (September 1, 2025): 88-98. https://doi.org/10.55020/iojpe.1672265.

JAMA

1.Khirwadkar A, Welbourn S, Figg C. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. Int. Online J. Prim. Educ. 2025;14:88–98.

MLA

Khirwadkar, Anjali, et al. “EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS”. International Online Journal of Primary Education, vol. 14, no. 3, Sept. 2025, pp. 88-98, doi:10.55020/iojpe.1672265.

Vancouver

1.Anjali Khirwadkar, Shannon Welbourn, Candace Figg. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENT-TEACHERS EXPERIENCING VIRTUAL MATH MAKERSPACES: ORGANIZING PLAYFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. Int. Online J. Prim. Educ. 2025 Sep. 1;14(3):88-9. doi:10.55020/iojpe.1672265

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