What: Technocamps Teachers Conference

‘Creating a Digital Future’- The transition to Key Stage 3

When: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Where: Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

The momentum to introduce Computing and Computer Science in schools across Wales and the UK continues to grow. A recent report of the Welsh Government ICT Steering Group has recommended that key to this is starting at Primary level.

This conference will provide teachers from both primary and secondary schools with:

an insight into the recommendations of the report
an overview of the success stories already in Wales
as well as an opportunity to attend hands-on workshops where teachers will learn about key aspects of Computer Science that they can take back to the classroom.

The day will also host pupils from a local school who will attend workshops run by Technocamps and the Digital Makers Fund, including Codo Dojo, Technology will Save Us, Playground Computing and Cargobots.

COST
Whilst there is a small fee the benefits will certainly outweigh the cost for teachers who are looking to expand their knowledge that they can take back to the classroom.

This is an opportunity for teachers from Primary and Secondary schools across Wales to join forces with Technocamps and Industry experts to embed Computing and Computer Science into the education system.
If you are interested in attending then book now to avoid disappointment.

This event is supported by the Computer Science Department at Swansea University.

Why not come along to a networking event the night before at the Liberty Stadium (4-7pm) where you can meet other teachers and listen to a number of projects aimed at transition to Key Stage 3.

For more information, full programme details and to book visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/8709547491/mcivte

Design Wales Forum is offering four residencies to contemporary makers to develop and create new work using haptic modelling software and 3D printing technologies.

In recent years new technologies have enabled makers to create and develop works in ways not possible solely withhand tools. Exhibitions such as the Crafts Council’s Lab Craft, have demonstrated the exciting possibilities for makers when they add new technologies to their toolbox.

As part of the residencies, there will be a training programme to enable the selected makers to develop a working knowledge of modelling software (Freeform) and four 3D printing technologies. Alongside the technical training, a tailored programme of ‘business’ support will be offered to the residents. Sessions will be dependent on the requirements of the individual makers but can include design process management, or strategies for connecting with galleries/customers.

Each residency will be eight weeks duration, with an expectation that the resident will be in our building for a minimum of two days per week. The residencies will be held at The National Centre for Product Design and Research at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Llandaff. The first residency will run from December 2013 and the last willcomplete in July 2014. A fee of £1500 will be paid to each resident.

If you are an established maker, based in Wales who finds the idea of extending your practice into new areas exciting, and would like some more information about the residencies, visit http://www.designwalesforum.org/blog/item/id/makers-using-technology-pilot

When: Saturday 9th November from 11.30am in Camarthen
Where: Golden Hill Centre, Panteg, Whitemill, Camarthen, SA32 7HD
With: Flowering Elbow

Come join Flowering Elbow for Tinkering, tours and tea!

They’ll be doing workshop tours and mini tool inductions/demos, there’s lots to see and touch: lovely strawbale/ earth-rendered walls, re-used windows and timber, crazy wood burning stove, upcycled switches and shelves and of course the exciting tools and materials that they’ve been modding, making and putting to use.

To find out more visit: http://www.floweringelbow.org/2013/makers-community/first-open-workshop-day-coming-up-soon/

On Saturday 28th September bloc delivered a fantastic Machynlleth Mini Maker Faire to a crowded house!

The Centre for Alternative Technology provided the perfect venue to house our 30 Makers presenting DIY Technology in the countryside.

Over 200 visitors enjoyed the Faire. With feedback such as “Awesome, scientific, interesting, varied, fun, making, educational, innovative, inspiring, exciting, atmospheric, enthusiastic, buzzy, empowering, welcoming, impressive, original, unusual, relaxed”

Machynlleth Mini Maker Faire was A Showcase of DIY Technology in the Countryside that followed the Maker Faire model of celebrating do-it-yourself creativity and tinkering.
“Make, create, craft, recycle, build, think, play and be inspired by celebrating arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology.”
Machynlleth Mini Maker Faire is only Maker Faire in Wales.

Featuring both established and emerging local, national and international “makers,” Machynlleth Mini Maker Faire was a family-friendly celebration featuring Art, 3Dprinting, RaspberryPis, Daleks, Opensource, Music, Sound, Robots, Animation, Space, Drones, Restartparties, Electricity, Sequencers, Knitting, Environmentalism, Backpacks, Selfsufficiency, Engineering, Craft, Science, Education, Fixers, Sustainable, Technology, Health, Upcycling and Energy.

Machynlleth Mini Maker Faire presented a wide range of makers featuring the following highlights:

• The Restart Party bring a community Self Repair event to the heart of Wales
• Paul Granjon presents the infamous Biting Machine and the cute Mofo humanoid
• Trystan Lea showcases Wales’ own OpenEnergyMonitor
• Andy Noyes invites us to meet Agnes Robotknit, a knitting robot.
• Animation workshops, ukele looping performances, arduino sequencer sound and music etc.

A full maker list is available online at http://makerfairemachynlleth.com/