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Distributed Cognition as a Theoretical Lens for the Design of Makerspace Tool Kits — K Shroyer

Distribute cognition: "the theory argues for the extension of the cognitive system beyond the individual to a socio-technical system that may include multiple people and artifacts in the environment"

Cognition is distributed across: "1) members in the system, 2) artifacts in the system, and 3) time." Time refers to memory, it is about finding ways for the people who take the workshop to retain that information rather than it staying in the mind of the teacher/expert.

Learning a tool can be limited by the 'tool possibilities', space and 'use specific'/context. Ways to eliminate these limitations are: moving around (understand the tool in a new space), 'shared space' (learn by watching others), 'multiple tools', 'tool ownership' (bring your own, which is best to use?), 'shared vs. individual tools', 'tool mobility', & more.

A toolkit can help distribute cognition as it means the "knowledge of what tools are needed are imbedded in the kit"

Colour coding tools from the same kit reduces cognition for locating tools

The organisation of the kit is also important: all tools should be visible; they should have 'specific spots' to make it completely clear and obvious is something is missing; tools should be grouped by function; 'tool outlines and labels'.

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