Digital literacy—the ability to effectively use digital tools, technologies, and platforms—has become a cornerstone of employability in today’s workforce. As industries increasingly adopt digital technologies, proficiency in these skills is no longer optional but essential. The Workshop is a place to create, discover, and learn. When people identify something they want to create, the project often requires technology and therefore builds digital literacy. As an example, here’s a true story about how “Burt” used and developed digital literacy skills in The Workshop.
- Burt recently saw a YouTube video that demonstrated how to make a puzzle out of any image. Inspired by the video, he wanted to create a puzzle of a family pet to give as a gift. The video provided much of the guidance needed to create the puzzle, but he didn’t own the equipment he needed. Luckily, Burt was aware of The Workshop at the library! He knew that he would need to use a Cricut to cut the puzzle pieces, so he booked an appointment.
- Burt downloaded and used the Cricut Design Space software to size his images and place the puzzle design as specified in the YouTube video.
- Burt saved the necessary digital image files on a flash drive and cut up a cereal box to use as the puzzle chipboard. He completed these tasks at home.
- Once in The Workshop, Burt realized that he’d forgotten that he would need to print the puzzle image on sticky vinyl to be able to cut it out of the chipboard. Luckily, maker staff were there to help. They set Burt up with a computer where he could upload his image to the large format printer from a flash drive.
- Burt printed the images on the large format printer. He decided to print a few images so that he didn’t waste the extra width of the vinyl.
- The YouTube video indicated very specific settings for the Cricut. It took Burt (with staff help) a few tries to figure out the correct blade and settings.
- Burt was shocked when he realized that his hour appointment was over! He had to go back to work, so he scheduled another booking to finish his project the next day.
- At his next booking, Burt brought more cereal box chipboard and printed color copies of the three images he used for the puzzles so that the people receiving the puzzles knew what they should look like when they were complete.
- Burt successfully printed and cut three different final puzzles to wow his friends and family when he gave them as gifts!
The Workshop is more than just a space to create—it’s a hub of creativity, learning, and innovation that builds essential 21st-century digital literacy skills. Burt’s journey in crafting personalized puzzles showcases how access to cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and embroidery machines, combined with expert support, empowers people to bring their ideas to life while enhancing their tech proficiency.
Thanks to the generosity of the Glen Ellyn Library Foundation, whose donation helped make The Workshop possible, Glen Ellyn Public Library continues to inspire creativity and foster innovation. Be like Burt—get inspired and create something extraordinary!
