Hidden in Plain Sight: Unlocking Campus Resources for Experiential Learning

I explore how instructors can turn campus resources into hands-on learning experiences. I speak with Algonquin College professor Patrick Charlton and innovation manager Matthew Jerabek about breaking down academic silos and making makerspaces more accessible to faculty and students.

Patrick shares how a conversation with Matthew inspired a makerspace activity for his Product and Pricing Strategies course. Drawing on Jake Knapp’s Sprint methodology, student teams sketched, designed, and prototyped video-game-themed keychains using a laser cutter. The project connected creativity and collaboration with product development and pricing, while giving students space to experiment and learn by doing.

Matthew describes the innovation space as a “third space” where faculty and students can explore ideas with support. We discuss how the activity helped students discover the entrepreneurship co-op program and supported institutional goals.

Our advice to educators is to stay curious, leave the classroom, talk with colleagues across departments, and ask what resources are available. By making learning tangible and welcoming experimentation, we can create engaging experiences for students.

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