Empowerment

As I discover and explore my Raspberry Pi, I am humbled by how much there is to learn. To be honest, I’m quite overwhelmed by its potential, that I see the genius behind the making of this single board computer. The Raspberry Pi is so simple yet so complex in what it can do. Its versatility is amazing, but I can see how daunting it could be to someone who has no knowledge of its use or where to start.

I am impressed by the positivity of the Raspberry Pi community, as observed over the past few weeks. The spirit of openly embracing collaboration and interest in one another's work is not only motivating as a beginner, but empowering. 

To be empowered is quite addictive, but sometimes it doesn’t come by so easily.

When I think about the essence of the ‘Maker Movement’, it really isn’t about making stuff but connecting with your community, and problem solving issues. This brings a deeper dimension to core competences and Michael Fullan’s (2013) 6C’s (Collaboration,Communication, Citizenship, Creativity, Critical Thinking and Character). The Raspberry Pi is just a device, but what’s the device without purpose and intention? Shouldn’t we be thinking of ways to empower or students, but not just in taking action but making this action intentional and purposeful?
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The creators of the Raspberry Pi, The Raspberry Pi Foundation, is a UK-based charity that works to put the power of computing and digital making into the hands of people all over the world. They do this so that more people are able to harness the power of computing and digital technologies for work, to solve problems that matter to them, and to express themselves creatively. (Raspberry PI Foundation, 2019)

'The Later Light' (WIPO, 2019)

Foldscope (WIPO. 2019)

SolaRoad (WIPO, 2019)

However, I am also humbled by simple contributions, by various communities globally, that are having a big impact. Contributions such as the: 

• Solar light bulb - aka ‘The Liter Light’, which is an affordable and sustainable light bulb that lights up homes with limited or no access to electricity,
• Foldscope, which is a paper microscope inspired by origami and costs less than 1 USD. Most importantly, it’s a diagnostic tool in treating malaria, and 
• SolaRoad - energy producing roads - just to mention a few. (WIPO, 2019)

Technology doesn’t necessarily need to be high tech, but could also be low tech and have a lasting impact. However, it’s the source of the idea which is the driver of this impact. I find hearing the stories of where these ideas are born that brings meaning and wonder to the innovative idea. Many times it comes from the recognition and then the drive to take action...but not just the act of just doing, but purposeful and intentional action.

References:
Fullan, M. (2013). Great to excellent: Launching the next stage of Ontario’s education agenda.

Raspberry Pi Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.raspberrypi.org/about/ 
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WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization). (2019). 10 Innovations that are Improving Lives. Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int/ip-outreach/en/ipday/2017/ten_innovations.html