3D modeling and Printing

For an overview of 3D modeling and printing, we encourage you to read our blog. The blog includes information on how to access hundreds of free 3D models. You may also access our 3D workshop slide deck. 

• We recommend the free browser-based tool Tinkercad for people who are new to 3D design and modeling. Tinkercad offers a set of tutorials for using the software.
• The software we use to prepare 3D designs to be printed on our 3D printer Ultimaker 3 is Cura. A great introduction to the latest version of Ultimaker Cura can be seen here.
• When you feel like your 3D model is ready to print, you can submit the .stl file to us via our online form. Use your R-MC username and password to access the form. Training or previous experience is required of users who are new to 3D printing. 

Laser Cutting & Engraving

• Our workshop slide deck provides information on downloadable files and patterns for laser cutting and engraving.
• We recommend the free browser-based tool Vectr for those who are new to editing and creating vector graphics. Vectr offers short tutorials that cover various functions of the software. Adobe Illustrator, installed on the Library Makerspace PC, is a professional system for graphic design. Use your R-MC username and password to sign into the PC.
• We have a Dremel DigiLab LC40 laser cutter in the MakerSpace. We use Dremel's web-based program to prepare graphics for laser cutting. Note that the program is not accessible unless the laser cutter is turned on and a full-time MakerSpace staff is available to supervise laser cutting. Here is an introduction to Dremel LC40 Laser Cutter and using it for laser cutting and engraving.
• When you feel like your graphic is ready for laser cutting/engraving, you can submit the .SVG file to us via our online form. Use your R-MC username and password to access the form. Training or previous experience is required of users who are new to laser cutting. 

Audio Editing and Podcasting

We encourage you to read this great NPR piece - "Starting Your Podcast: A Guide for Students".

• Recording: Simple audio recordings can be made on your mobile device or laptop using the executable programs Voice Recorder (Windows) or Voice Memos (Mac).  Keep in mind that the quality of your recordings is bounded by the quality of your microphone and the quality of the environment in which you are recording. High-quality microphones can be checked out from the library Information Desk. 
• Editing and Mixing: A common program for audio editing is the open source Audacity. Audacity is available on all platforms and is completely free. Comprehensive FAQs for Audacity are available here and here.
• The Library Makerspace has Adobe's Audition software installed to allow sophisticated sound editing. You can contact the Makerspace staff for training and using Audition.
• Sharing or Publishing: Audio recordings can be uploaded to your R-MC GoogleDrive for sharing.

 

 

Video Production and Storytelling

What is a digital story?

Video content has become almost ubiquitous in our modern world. If you need to produce a video, the Makerspace can offer you support for every step of the process.
 

Video Cameras:

• Video cameras are available at the library Information Desk, as well as a Canon EOS 5D DSLR camera, which is available for checkout after taking a one-time training (of approximately 30 minutes). Computer-mounted "webcams" are also available for video recorded at your computer. Sound and lighting equipment for your production are also available for checkout. Please contact Brian F. Batista to receive training on the usage of any equipment.
• You can take great videos on your phone. Be sure to follow these tips.

Video Editing:

• The simplest non-linear editors (NLEs) are easy to use, but offer the least amount of options for making editing decisions. Editors that fall into this category include iMovie (which comes standard on Mac computers), and Photos for Windows (which comes standard on Windows computers). The following are some helpful tutorials on how to use these.
  • iMovie: Eduard Stinga on YouTube

 

• OpenShot Video Editor is a free, open source
  video editing application for Mac, PC and Linux machine download and installation. It offers fairly sophisticated functionality for video editing.
  Learn how to use OpenShot Video Editor.

 

 

• Available in the Makerspace computer is the more advanced Adobe Premiere. This editor is one of the most commonly used editors in the video, film, and television industry and is considered "professional quality." The following are some resources to help you learn how to use Adobe Premiere.
  • YouTube: Eduard Stinga - Premiere Pro: Step by Step Tutorial for Beginners in ONLY 20 Minutes
  • Individualized instruction over video conferencing is available for video editing. Contact Brian F Batista to set up an appointment

 

Recording Screencast and Presentations:

Currently Canvas Studio is part of the R-MC Canvas Learning Management system. You may sign into Canvas.rmc.edu with your R-MC username and password, and from the global navigation, access Canvas Studio. Studio allows you to record, edit, and manage media within Canvas.

• How do I use Studio to record myself giving a presentation? 
• How do I submit my recording to a Canvas course assignment? Choose Method 1 or Method 2.

 

 

Web-based Digital Storytelling Tools

What is a digital story?

Knight Lab at Northwestern University offers innovative and user friendly online tools for storytelling. The tools are all open-source, including

• Juxtapose: Easy-to-make frame comparisons
• Scene: Easy-to-make VR stories
• Soundcite: Seamless inline audio
• Storyline: Tell the story behind the numbers
• Storymap: Maps that tell stories
• Timeline: Easy-to-make, beautiful timelines

 

 

 

Graphics and Infographics

 

Read our blog on Infographic as an alternative to traditional writing assignments.

• There are many great resources out there for creating visual designs. Two commonly used browser-based tools are Adobe Express and Canva. Both offer free account option and are beginner-friendly.
  • Getting started with Adobe Express
  • Getting started with Canva
• GIMP is a free, open-source image editing program. It is available for both Windows and Mac
  download and installation. Learn how to use GIMP here.
• The Library has Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator installed on the computers in the Butler Pavilion and a few loaner laptops. You can contact the Makerspace staff to get training in how to use Photoshop and Illustrator.

 

 

Website & ePortfolio Development

We encourage you to read the article on the What, Why and How of ePortfolios.
 

• We recommend using Google Sites for website and ePortfolio development. Be sure to log into your GoogleDrive using your R-MC username and password to enjoy unlimited storage and flexible control over who can view your website or portfolio. Refer to the screenshot on the right and the Quick Guide for using Google Sites.
• Adobe Express offers "Pages" for website and ePortfolio development (view instructions).  You may sign up for a free Adobe Express account using your personal or college email.

 

 

 

Poster Design & Printing 

 

• The Makerspace has a large-format printer that can print posters up to 36" on their short side.
  View poster design tips and guides.  
• When your poster is ready to be printed, you can send your request for printing by filling out the Form. Note: You must sign in using your R-MC username and password.

 

 

 

---