Blog

Congratulations! You are the very first official class of The Idea Farm. Before you get started, let me make sure we are on the same page. The Idea Farm is a makerspace, and while you are working in here, you are all makers. What does this mean? A makerspace is a place to share tools and collaborate to create new and awesome things. A maker is someone that is curious, open to new experiences, learns through doing (and through failing). Makers live by the motto, "don't get ready, get started." You are in charge of what you learn in the next 12 weeks. This class is not meant to be me teaching you things. It is meant to be you taking an active role in what you want to learn. I am here because I know the tools and I have built lots of things before, and I can help you to explore what you want to learn. Every person in this class can be successful because every person in this class has their own interest that they want to explore. You should know that I love technology, but I hate passive consumption of technology. What excites me about technology is using it to build new things in the world. What frustrates me is how often technology is used to mindlessly consume content. In this class, you will be asked to use a lot of technology. You should do this mindfully. Watch a YouTube video when you need to learn a new skill. Connect with others through social media who can help you achieve your goals. Do NOT sit and mindlessly consume social media without a purpose. We are creators and builders. We are not consumers. This is a maker value that I place almost above all other things. I am excited to go on this journey with you to discover new ways of doing things. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to help you achieve your goals in this class. I can help connect you to others who can help you on your mission, I can train you on tools, I can help find funding sources for your project. Whatever you need, ask me and I will do all I can. Let's make something awesome!