Home school mother Winit Red is a regular at the National Park College (NPC) Innovative
Technologies Center (ITC). She first learned of the center from her children’s home
school group. The center helps Red and other homeschool parents supplement their curriculum
with hands-on experiences and state-of-the-art technology. She said her two sons love
visiting the ITC and learning to use the virtual reality and 3D printing equipment.
“It is amazing to have access to some of the cutting edge technology that you don’t
have at home,” said Red. She said there are many technology classes available including
drones and robotics. Red said her sons enjoy experimenting, trying to create virtual
reality scenarios at home and then coming to the center to test them on the simulator.
“It just makes them think and learn and do, and it’s not boring.”
Red said her children look forward to each Friday’s Makerspace sessions and she loves
watching how they encourage their friends to participate. “It’s kind of like they
are encouraging each other to learn, inspiring each other to think and create different
things, so I really love that.”
Red has used her time in the Makerspace to make personalized gifts for her friends.
She has made coasters, picture frames, and specialized tools for pottery making. “I
have met so many new people here, other crafters, other creative people that really
make me want to do more things.” She explained that her experience has been positive
because of the connections she has made with others at the center. “I love seeing
parents bringing their kids, dads and moms, coming here to do something together.
It’s just lovely for the community.”
Red has a background in graphic design and quickly became an expert on the laser
cutting machine. She offered a laser cutting class to her homeschool group. She loves
the tool because it is so versatile and she can create so many types of things with
it. She was fearful of some of the large saws and equipment in the Makerspace, but
said the staff taught her how to use them safely. “I have surprised myself. I feel
like it wasn’t so scary now that I learned how to use it.”
Red said the staff has been very helpful and supportive. “They make you learn it.
They don’t do it for you.” She said she watched as the team worked patiently with
children that come in, “I think they just love to do it. You can see how patient they
are.”
“I would really love for the Makerspace to be something huge for this community,
for beautiful Hot Springs. I think it is such a wonderful place. I wouldn’t be surprised
if somebody actually started a business right here. Sometimes I think you just need
that little kick start, access to the right equipment to realize your dream,” said
Red.
The ITC Makerspace is open to the public every Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Visit np.edu/itc for a complete schedule of classes and events.
