Imagine

Library staff have recently unwrapped our own brand new Raspberry Pi and we are all amazed by this awesome little computer.  We are happily exploring its features and dreaming up some fun workshop opportunities for the community. As you can see, this credit card sized computer is a cool way to begin understanding computers and programming.

Keep watching this blog for further details about Raspberry Pi and upcoming technology classes at the Orlando Public Library.

DIY-ers are becoming more and more inspired by the multiple sources now available for personalized learning. You’ve probably heard of education Web offerings such as Coursera,  Khan Academy and iTunesU.  Code Academy, a free interactive site that teaches coding, recently announced they are working with companies like NPR, YouTube and Bitly .  At OCLS, we will be offering open study labs to access these free educational sites starting in February.  If you’re interested in learning coding in a classroom setting, DLM-TIC is planning basic coding classes.  Stay tuned to this blog for further details.

Take a look at the video below. Can you believe you’re looking at a fully functioning computer that is the size of a credit-card which plugs into your TV and a keyboard?  This is Raspberry Pi — so cool because it’s a fun, affordable and accessible, open source entry for anyone who wants to learn programming.  Raspberry Pi was invented in the UK especially for the educational market, but the tech community has discovered that this is can be an innovative programming experience for any age group!

Have you seen MaKey MaKey?  It’s awesome!  On the website, it’s called an invention kit for everyone and it looks like a simple, but fun way for everyone to tap into their creative genius.  The kit has the MaKey MaKey board, a USB cable, alligator clips and connection wires.  Check out the video to see how much fun inventing can be!  And watch our blog for details about 3D Printing and Snap Circuits workshops, coming in early 2013 to the Orlando Public Library.

Technology and Education staff members at the Orlando Public Library are excited to announce some programming in the works with Snap Circuits™.  Snap Circuits™ are a fun way for kids age 8 to 18 years old to discover electronics.  Each set comes with easy to follow drawings and plans and color and letter coded pieces that can be snapped together on a breadboard.  Finished electronic items include an electric light and switch, motion detector, a working fan and a space war alarm.  After viewing the short video below, let us know what you think!

Watch this blog for upcoming details about fun electronics workshops using Snap Circuits™.