China’s maker movement takes root in the classroom

Image credit: Bailey Hu/TechNode

Thousands of visitors swarmed the broad array of tech-centered booths, interactive exhibits, and crafting workshops at Shenzhen’s most recent Maker Faire, held in early October. Among the crowds, which organizers estimate at around 50,000 people, a significant number of elementary school students were lured in by the promise of gadgets and new toys.

But if China’s government, forward-thinking educators, and perhaps most of all, parents have their way, children will be more than just admiring observers of new technology—they’ll be on the front lines of China’s still-growing maker movement. That, in turn, is part of a bigger push to rethink traditional education that’s still struggling to achieve widespread understanding and adoption.

What you get

Full access to all premium content and our full archives

Members'-only newsletters

Preferential access and discounts to all TechNode events

Direct access to the TechNode newsroom