Embassyrow US Embassy holds ‘#TechThursday Talk’
THIRTY senior high school and college students from the University of the City of Manila and De La Salle University learned about makerspaces and the value of creativity, innovation, and technology at a US Embassy “#TechThursday Talk.” A makerspace is a collaborative work space where people gather to create, explore, invent, and learn. They often include tools such as 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies, tools, and more. There are four makerspaces in the Philippines—Makerspace Pilipinas, Idea Space, Sparklab Innovation Center and Makerspace Manila.
Students heard from Makerspace Manila CEO Gino Carino, Department of State Regional Information Resource Officer Sarah Ziebell, and James Tunick, a programmer, entrepreneur and mak- erspace advocate from IMC Lab in New York City, on how makerspaces create opportunities for the youth to develop 21st century skills. The students also used makerspace tools that create 3D designs, including TinkerCAD, 3D printers and 3D doodler. They also learned how use modular electronic tools, such as Makey-Makey and littleBits.
Since 2013, President Obama has promoted the #MakerMovement through the “Nation of Maker” program, which provides opportunities for students to create, innovate, tinker, and learn STEM skills, expands resources available for maker entrepreneurs, and fosters the development of advanced manufacturing in the United States.
The U.S. Embassy hosts monthly “#TechThursday” talks for local audiences on technology-related issues.
( Above) Photo opportunity with the STEM high school students promoting American Spaces; ( right) students make their own 3D designs using the 3D doodler makerspace tool