Digital Maker Programme

IMDA Digital Maker programme supports the Smart Nation vision as it aims to nurture a new generation of digital natives who are empowered to create with technology, so as to cultivate real-world problem solving, encourage digital creativity and innovation, as well as foster collaboration and co-creation with fellow digital makers. The programme introduces simple-to-use and open-ended technology that students and adults will find comfortable to use, known as the micro:bit. Through this micro-controller, everyone has the opportunity to explore the possibilities of digital making.

1) Digital Making in Schools
The programme calls out to all primary and secondary schools to sign up, where they are given micro:bits for up to one level of students, approximately 200 to 300 micro:bits per school. Schools can determine which level(s) they want to introduce the micro:bits to (e.g. for a specific level or rotate across levels each term) and how they want to use it (e.g. for their Design and Technology lessons). Through a 1.5-day Educators Workshop provided by Microsoft through trainers like Micromaker Education, Tinker Tanker and Zenitant, teachers learn basic coding on micro:bit, connecting with various sensors, as well as making a project related to their subjects. One of the key focus of the workshop is relating the use of micro:bits to how they can be applied in various subjects, and not just about learning how to code.

2) Building Digital Maker communities
With the aim to reach out to adults, the Digital Maker programme also offers introductory digital making workshops held in the community for everyone to have an opportunity to create with technology. Working with various community partners like National Library Board, SkillsFuture Singapore and self-help groups, 2-hour Digital Maker workshops are made available to members of the public.