The second remote workshop was held on March 29 at an after-school day service in Kanazawa City. Continuing from the previous workshop, we challenged the children to make a moving toy using a programmable battery.
This time, at the request of the children, we sent a little box with a little more LEGO bricks than last time. Last time, we used only the LEGO bricks we sent so as not to mix them with the LEGO bricks the children usually use, but it seems that the bricks we sent were not enough for them.
Using what they normally use (in this case, LEGO bricks) is not just about using materials and tools they are familiar with, but because they know and are used to them, they may be able to think about how they can use the new tools (in this case, programmable batteries) for the works they want to create. It makes me think again about the importance of not only becoming familiar with technology as a tool, but also using materials and tools that I am used to using on a regular basis.
When the scheduled start time arrived, I connected Zoom and found that the children had already started creating their works 😄. They immediately turned to the camera and said, “Look at this,” showing us the work they were making. It has been almost three months since the last workshop, and it seems that the children are beginning to build on what they did last time. Here again, I feel the importance of holding workshops more than once.
It may be obvious, but it was an opportunity to reaffirm that familiarity with tools, materials, and the activity itself will expand the children’s craftsmanship itself.
I was amazed at the way the works continued to develop and at the children’s concentration as they worked on their creations. I am grateful to the children and the staff for this precious opportunity. I look forward to working with you again. Thank you again.
