Technology of the Future
What ignited the “spark” behind the Spark Lab? In the words of Mark Light, the Spark Lab “exposes rural youth and adults to technology” that may not otherwise be available to residents of Hardin County. To keep the common population up to date with an ever-transforming technological world, the Spark Lab offers educational learning opportunities in the form of technology-based workshops, also known as “Tech Tuesdays”.
A variety of these technology workshops have been offered to Hardin County youth and adults. Since all ages can benefit from technological knowledg
e, a field that continues to expand across all curriculums, workshops have been made available to both youth and adults. In spring 2016, workshops were offered in subjects like Facebook, iPads and video production. This summer 2016, more workshops have been made available in areas such as rocketry, robotics, and video game/website design. Due to popular demand from the youth population, Hardin County OSU Extension has also held workshops on Minecraft, virtual reality, and legos. Additionally, photography has been popular with both the youth and adult population; so local photographers assisted both 4-H youth and adults with foundational camera skills!
University 
extension requires being in tune to the communities it serves, and technology workshops have really sparked an interest with Hardin County citizens. As our community continues to display a hunger for technological knowledge, the Spark Lab will continue to offer technological education and new devices for community use. Once community members know how to operate Spark Lab equipment such as the video camera, green screen, 3D printer, and Bluetooth enabled sport equipment, they are free to use the Spark Lab as a maker space for their educational, recreational, or business needs. If their needs require technology use outside the Spark Lab, technology utilization outside the Spark Lab is a possibility as well! Local business men and women have already taken advantage of our video production lab to create commercials and advertisements for their companies!
IF YOU ARE A YOUTH OR ADULT LOOKING TO EXPAND YOUR TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE, CHECK OUT THE SPARK LAB’S UPCOMING TECHNOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES HERE.