The library contains a large amount of valuable cutting-edge technology, with the list ever expanding with the prospect of a new $1500 grant in the near future, students can hopefully expect even more equipment coming later this year. Some of the equipment already present at the library consists of 3D printers, a green screen, and interactive coding robots, all for students to use. Despite the amount of opportunities these tools provide, most are yet to even touch them.
The school’s new librarian, Heather Newman, is very excited to bring new technology to the school and has been hard at work trying to get a grant from the Knoxville TVA Credit Union of $1500 approved.
“My goal is to always stay up to date so our students stay up to date with all the new technology… ” said Newman
Plans are already being made for getting some new equipment for students, such as a Cricut, a versatile cutting machine well equipped for making custom designs, but most of the money will primarily go towards the costs it takes to maintain things like the 3D printers or the circuit.
Chris Ottinger, the principal of the Creative and Technical Academy, believes some of the complexity of some tools might intimidate students away from using them.
“…3D printing has a fairly steep learning curve and if you’ve never used it you’re probably not going to go in there and start playing with it. ” said Ottinger
Students should still feel free to use the equipment in the library and learn how to use it, but Ottinger does mention another good use for the 3D printers, that being teachers. Teachers could use plenty of the equipment in the library to expand their methods of teaching and help students learn in creative and meaningful ways.
Erisha Talley, a prominent user of the 3D printers in the library, encourages students to give it a try. She expressed her belief that the lack of usage for these tools is due to the negative assumptions people have surrounding libraries.
“…the library isn’t like a punishment …I know some schools use it as ROC” said Talley
Talley was entirely self taught with 3D printing and believes students can do it too. She learned from resources on the internet, primarily Youtube tutorials, and has even been doing prints for students.
Only some schools have the same level of equipment and opportunities as Karns, so even with the difficulties in learning the tools, students and teachers alike should come into the library and experiment with the tools if it at all interests them. Everyone in the library would be more than happy to introduce students to all it has to offer.
