A new digital media lab and makerspace – known as the ‘Exploratory’ – has opened at the Welland Campus and NC Libraries and Learning Commons is excited to showcase the space to the Niagara College community.
Sparking imagination and innovation, the Exploratory features a range of technology, software, and equipment for filming and editing videos, recording audio, designing graphics and creating prototypes with a 3D printer.
Sheri Waldie, Library Technician, Reference & Circulation, shows off the Ultimaker 3D Printer at the Welland Campus Exploratory.
“The Exploratory is intended to be a creative space that gives students the tools needed to make something new, either for themselves or for a classroom assignment,” said Siscoe Boschman, Library Facilitator, Information Literacy at the Welland Campus. “The goal is to inspire students to develop and exercise the trailblazing spirit that Niagara College is so proud to be able to foster in its students.”
Boschman explained that the space allows students to try out equipment and technology that they might not have the opportunity to use through their programs or outside of the College.
“It’s important in our economy, to be up-to-date with technology and the Exploratory provides students with the ability to become comfortable with new technologies in a fun, low-stakes way,” she said.
Students can access 3D printers, a 3D scanner, professional movie cameras, film editing stations, a podcast production studio, a green screen and selfie ring light, VR goggles, a Cricut machine and Cricut mug press, sewing machine and more.
Faculty and staff are also welcome to use the equipment to enhance their teaching materials or to learn new skills.
Grand Opening on Sept. 29
While the Exploratory at the Welland Campus opened earlier this year, NC Libraries and Learning Commons is celebrating the official grand opening of the space this fall.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend an open house event on Thursday, September 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to check out the equipment. Guests may drop in or register in advance.
The event will feature ‘decorate your own mug’ and ‘make your own button’ stations (while supplies last), a 3D pen building competition, and demonstrations of the VR goggles, 3D printers, and Cricut machine. Pre-packaged snacks and refreshments will be offered and guests will have the opportunity to enter to win a door prize.
The Exploratory is located in the library (on the 2nd floor of the Learning Commons) at the back of the book stacks.
Get your creative juices flowing in Welland or NOTL
The Welland Campus Exploratory is the second digital media lab and makerspace at NC.
Since it opened in 2017, the Exploratory at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake has been a hub for creativity on campus.
“We’re excited for the return to campus, because it means a return to the Exploratory for so many creative students,” said Matt Bohun, Library Facilitator, Information Literacy at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus.
Bohun noted that reservations for the green room with professional camera and lighting equipment are constant toward the end of term when group presentation assignments are due. The space has been used for CICE program co-op placements where students have learned how to use the 3D printers to transform concepts into realities. One of the more recent additions is the podcasting station, which has been used to create content for the Save Her Seat podcast.
The Exploratory in Niagara-on-the-Lake is located in the Library and Learning Commons in the hallway behind the ITS Help Desk.
Students and employees are required to reserve the space at both campuses in advance. Same-day reservations may be accommodated when available.
Learn more about The Exploratory: Digital Media Lab and Makerspace at the Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus on the NC Libraries and Learning Commons website.
