By Nina Johnson

Does your inner-inventor need to get out more?  Are you a sandcastle artist looking for a “sandbox” to play in?  The TRU Makerspace has tools and technology to help you on your creative journey.

As a card-carrying luddite, I strapped myself into the virtual reality (VR) goggles during a visit to the new TRU Makerspace with the CELT team. I have to admit that I didn’t know we had a Makerspace on the campus and was surprised to see that there are several rooms in the HOL Library (HL 104a-c) dedicated to creative play and innovation.  To see what it’s all about, Lindsey Smeaton- intrepid research assistant, first coached me on how to use the interactive controllers to manipulate virtual objects and to shoot at moving targets.  (No virtual animals were harmed in the training process.) Lindsey then set me up with a virtual tour of Vienna where I wandered through marketplaces, learned about Baroque architecture, and contemplated works of art. It was an extraordinary experience.

Experience. That’s the key. VR offers simulations and experiences that may improve student learning.  Many of us are already technologically savvy with the virtual worlds of video conferencing, GPS, interior design, or travel. What if we also experimented with innovative virtual pedagogies?

VR is already used for risk-free practice in medical training, architectural design, and flight simulators.  I, personally, like the idea that the pilot of my plane has had lots of previous (passenger-free) practice landing in adverse conditions. Within our own disciplines, how could we better prepare students with experiences and feedback on their skill development by incorporating virtual practice?

It seems to me that the possibilities are virtually endless. Go explore the space if you’re interested in recycling, upcycling, crafting, or creative course design.

Course design, you say? Considering Thompson River University’s (TRU) commitment to General Education, experiential learning, and High-Impact Practices, a bit of hands-on or virtual hands-on practice for your students may be just what you’re looking for.

TRU Librarians Frank Sayre and Erin May, and their intrepid Research Assistant, Lindsey Smeaton, are available to support students and staff with all sorts of creative technologies:

  • 3D printer (at NO COST to the user!)
  • Cricut technology for cutting paper, felt, vinyl, and fabric
  • Sewing machine for embroidery made easy
  • Robotics equipment
  • Virtual Reality (VR) simulations

For more information and tours, contact Frank Sayre at fsayre@tru.ca and Erin May emay@tru.ca.

Drop-In Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 1:00-4:30 [these hours and those mentioned below may be affected by COVID-19 protocols]

Coming Soon: Two half-days per week for people to book equipment and to experiment.