South Dublin County Council Unveils New Educational Lab in Tallaght in Collaboration with AWS

South Dublin County Council has unveiled the AWS Think Big Space, a new educational lab located beside the Tallaght Luas stop, which aims to inspire an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths. It provides a dedicated space for students, educators and communities to explore innovative and imaginative ideas through interactive hands-on technical education. AWS has opened AWS Think Big Spaces across the world, however, this is the first AWS Think Big Space to launch in Europe.

South Dublin Libraries and AWS will host an innovative programme of events in the AWS Think Big Space starting in April. Events will take place every month and feature Creative Hut Robotics workshops and virtual reality (VR) workshops. The VR workshops will introduce students to the technology behind VR as well providing a hands-on experience and the chance to see VR in action.

In the Creative Hut robotics workshops, students will have the opportunity to collaborate and create amazing robots, take on challenges and get an introduction to robotics technology. Students and teachers will be encouraged to “Think Big” by using their creativity and imagination as they explore the technologies on offer. The programme will support interactive hands-on learning and will be available for 4^th class to 6^th class primary school groups, and 1^st year to 4^th year secondary school groups.

Speaking on the launch, Paul Fusco, County Librarian with South Dublin County Council, said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of the AWS Think Big Space, and this exciting collaboration with AWS. Libraries have always moved with the times and this is a perfect example. The pace of technological advancement is ever-increasing, and by working with experts in the field like AWS, South Dublin Libraries can help the children of today become the creative thinkers for tomorrow.”

Mike Beary, Country Manager, AWS Ireland, added: “AWS has been investing in South Dublin for over a decade. We’ve grown the number of our employees, expanded our collaboration with colleges and universities, invested in skills programmes, renewable energy projects, and strengthened our relationships with local communities across the country including in SDCC.

“We chose the SDCC area as the first location in Europe to launch an AWS Think Big Space because of the council’s focus on digital skills for the local community. We are deeply committed to the local communities in which we operate, and are excited to see how students and community members explore and cultivate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), related interests in the AWS Think Big Space.”

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