Blog

IAP Program

Over the semester break the Makerspace was a second home to a group of international students, who met every day for 3 weeks to participate in the Intensive Academic Program (IAP). The program was facilitated by the Curtin Library and focussed on teaching writing, digital and library skills. Of course, we made sure there was time scheduled in for some creative making as well!

The students are recipients of the highly prestigious and competitive Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS), which is granted to students from developing countries to come to Australia to study at a university of their choice. Most of the students are embarking on their Masters or PhD degrees. Read more about the program here

Some of the additional making activities we managed to fit into the busy schedule included building conceptual lego models of their self-identity, and making a zine to explore concepts around creative thinking. The students also spent a couple of hours doing some badgemaking, 3-D printing and laser cutting, and managed to fit in a walk in space (OK, it was only a ‘virtual’ walk using the VR headset, but hey, it was nearly as good as the real thing!)

The creative and comfortable vibe of the Makerspace was conducive to a lot of wonderful conversations, information-sharing and establishing friendships, and was a rewarding and fun learning experience for everyone involved.

We are looking forward to welcoming a new group of AAS students to the makerspace just prior to Semester 1, 2023.