MD Tech Connect Workshop

December 8, 2015

Miller Branch, Ellicott City, MD

The goal of the Tech Connect workshop was to “mark a new beginning for a library technology group in Maryland” that includes all library staff, not just IT staff.  In attendance were “technologists” and “technology enthusiasts” from public and academic libraries

Greg Arig, software and game developer, gave a presentation about the development of Virtual Reality (VR).  One of the questions was “How can libraries use this new tool to meet the ever growing customer demand for technology?”

Tech Expo gave participants opportunities to experiment Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Displays such as Samsung Oculus, Augmented Reality, and other devices. I noted a few programs that can be easily replicated and implemented to offer STEM and STEAM programs for children.

·        CRATE (Create/Reinvent/Apply/Teach/Explore)

Carroll County Public Library will be launching CRATEs in 2016. This is a program that features a different activity (or CRATE) each month for 4 months for self-exploration.

CRATE 1 - Building with straws: http://www.strawbees.com/

                                    Also see Instruction Pamphlet

CRATE 2 – Robotics using cublets: http://www.modrobotics.com/cubelets/cubelets-six/

                                    using ozobots: http://ozobot.com/play

CRATE 3 – Makey Makey: http://www.makeymakey.com/

CRATE 4 – LittleBits to create sounds and music: http://littlebits.cc/kits/synth-kit

               LittleBits can be used in many kinds of projects: http://littlebits.cc/projects

·         Low Tech Intro to Coding, presented by Lori Conforti from Glenwood Branch, HCLS.

She had a set up where participants were able to make bracelets using colored beads to code their own initials. More ideas at: https://code.org/files/CSEDbinary.pdf, or email Lori Conforti at: lori.conforti@hclibrary.org 

·         Cubetto to introduce three to seven year-olds to coding. FutureMakers, represented by Matt Barinholtz, can provide libraries with the board and the cubic robot. It is a fun and simple way to introduce children to coding without using any screen. Click on http://www.primotoys.com/index, then click on “Show me!” to see it in action.

Click on https://mdtechconnect.slack.com/messages/about_event/ to see what came out of small group discussions about library trends, newest technologies, new services that libraries are offering, and the challenges ahead.

S. Merlier-Rowen

Children's Department, Central