What We’re About

The Creative Technologies Lab works with students on exciting new projects using technologies such as microcomputing, Arduino, raspberry pi, 3D printing, and more. Creative Technologies Lab Crew members are tech enthusiasts eager to learn and find fun new ways to support their peers in their academic and passion projects.
You will spend time learning how to model in 3D environments, produce artifacts with the lab’s 3D printers, learn the basics of electrical engineering, explore different coding languages, diagnose/fix malfunctioning technology without fear, and anything else in the world of technology that strikes your curiosity. From fixing phone screens to adding Bluetooth to old radios, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore and experiment with a wide variety of technologies to reduce electronic waste.

Capstone

Sophie Allen, a biology major and data science minor, addressed a problem of plastic waste produced by the 3D printer in the Creative Technologies Lab where she is a student crew member. For her capstone she created an Automated Spooling System to recycle 3D Printer waste. Her project is a great example of integrating academic and work experience, and contributing to the College’s sustainability goals.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll spend years working alongside your peers with the mentorship of your supervisors.  Part of the experience of work at Warren Wilson is guided critical reflection, which helps ensure that you achieve both your own educational goals as well as our Common Learning Outcomes. These intentional learning outcomes distinguish our Work Program, giving it focus and relevancy that set it apart from a federal work-study or your average part-time job.

Our Common Learning Outcomes:

  • Professionalism & Work Ethic: accountability, effective work habits, punctuality, dependability, time management, integrity, and commitment to the well-being of the community.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: working with available resources to creatively address issues and solve problems, and gaining confidence to make decisions.
  • Communication: the ability to convey and receive information effectively with intentionality, honesty, and confidence in both speech and writing.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: actively collaborate with peers to achieve common goals, Distribute labor fairly, and hold each other accountable as committed members of a group.
  • Civic Identity: understanding your active influence within the community and how your decisions directly impact the work around you.

In addition to our Common Learning Outcomes, each crew in the Work Program identifies crew-specific goals for learning and performance. These are reviewed with you each semester. Your crew-specific learning goals outline skills and abilities your supervisor will teach you during the semester.

Some of our Creative Technologies Lab Crew Learning Goals include:

  • Skills in 3D designing, modeling, and printing
  • microcomputer coding, soldering
  • understanding of the tools used in equipment repair and maintenance
  • opportunity for learning via online sources