I took a tour of the Innovation Hub with my Environment and Society class. Before the end of the semester, we have the option (that I chose) to create some art that portrays our waste culture, which I will be using the Innovation Hub for since a third floor apartment isn't very conducive to woodworking. During the tour, they went over all of the materials they have available for use, explaining that for most you would have to watch a video before using the equipment. As of now, anyone can go, students or not, using the Innovation Hub to express their creativity. They will even pay for supplies (to a certain amount). I like how OU is working to encourage creativity in its students, providing resources to promote that expression. I asked someone who was answering questions if they had any innovation workshops, which they said they didn't have. During the tour, I had many ideas for the Waste final project that changed and grew with each machine they introduced to us. When I walked into the Innovation Hub, I had no ideas about what I was going to make or how I was going to do it, but after being shown what tools I have to use and the resources how to use those tools, my creativity sparked. It's a thought that I've been reflecting on since then; What could I have done in school if I had known what tools were there for my use? I plan on trying to make sure my students are aware of any opportunities or tools they can utilize to help them achieve their goals, be it short or long term.
