MAKERSPACE
Here’s a dictionary definition of the noun “makerspace”: “a place in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment and knowledge.” Makerspaces allow people to practise problem-solving and discuss success and failure. In his 1970 book Future Shock, Alvin Toffler wrote: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” Because people will no longer start on a career path and stay with only one job or company, helping them to become lifelong learners is essential. Schools and firms need to provide the learning environments — makerspaces — that will enable students and workers to learn how to unlearn and relearn.
HYPERCARS
The Croatian company Rimac Automobili develops and produces electric hypercars. What’s the difference between a car and a “hypercar”? Short answer: a hypercar is at the forefront of design and engineering. The 1,500-horsepower Bugatti Chiron is a hypercar, which is why its starting price is around €3 million. Hyundai Motor Group and Kia Motors have announced a strategic partnership with Rimac Automobili, with a combined investment of €80 million. This is an attempt to strengthen South Korea’s position in the high-performance electric-vehicle market. Hyundai says the companies will work together to develop prototypes for a planned electric version of Hyundai’s N brand sports car.
CLEVER KIDS
Is it possible to create an awesome learning experience for children that can be used inside and outside the classroom worldwide? Kahoot! believes it can be done. The Norwegian game-based learning platform, which claims to have 70 million unique monthly active users, has recently made some strategic acquisitions that signal its intent to go global. First, it bought DragonBox, a start-up that builds mathematics learning apps. Then, it bought Poio, which has developed an innovative way to teach children how to read through play, which is used by a community of more than 100,000 children in Scandinavia. “Making learning awesome!” is Kahoot!’s slogan.