INNISFAIL - Literacy is more than just books.
A big part of literacy today includes technology, computers and software. That type of literacy was demonstrated during the first annual Family Literacy Festival at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on Jan. 27.
Engineering students from Red Deer College were on hand to share 3-D printer technology and some unique robotic creations.
"We have a maker space at the college where we have 3-D printers. This is the second year (for the maker space)," said Warren Elgersma, chemistry instructor at Red Deer College. "A maker space is a space where students can come to design and build things.
"If you're in a design course where you need to make something you can go to the maker space," he added.
The displays and demonstration of technology included unique robots, 3-D design and 3-D printing.
"3-D printing can print just about anything," he said. "Anything you can imagine, it can print. These ones are plastic 3-D printers, but you can also print in all kinds of materials," explained Elgersma. "You can print in metal, cement, you can print in chocolate, ceramic and all kinds of plastic."
He noted the maker space is needed due to the amount of interest and demand for this type of computer literacy and technology.
"We're trying to grow the maker space. It's a grassroots sort of thing," he said. "It started with some students and a little support from the college and we're hoping the community, including businesses, will help sponsor the maker space so we can grow.
"I think it is important that students are computer literate," said Elgersma."Things like this encourages them to become literate in a fun way."
For more information on the maker space contact Red Deer College or visit the upcoming Mini Maker Faire at www.makerfairerd.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/makerfairerd
Warren Elgersma, chemistry instructor at Red Deer College
"I think it is important that students are computer literate. Things like this encourages them to become literate in a fun way."
