BLOG 1 | TASK 1 - Fostering Creativity in the Classroom
- EDELAIDE RABI
- Mar 8, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 4, 2023
As it enables immediate access to information, integrating technology in the classroom is essential to students’ learning needs (Shi & Fan, 2023). Smartphones and computers are prominent in both teachers’ and students’ daily lives. Therefore, it only makes sense to implement and explore emerging technological tools in the classroom to create meaningful learning experiences for students.
El Sayed (2019), found that students across Australian primary schools were more engaged and developed abilities such as creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking through the implementation of 3D printing in their classrooms.
Tinkercad is a great learning tool to integrate 3D technology into the classroom. This emerging technology is a program that allows students to foster and enhance their creativity by manipulating digital shapes and objects to create models used for 3D printing (Tinkercad, n.d.). Users are able to bring objects from their imagination into their hands for physical interaction.
Figure 1: An example of an advanced user creating a building.
Tinkercad and 3D printing can be used across multiple KLAs (Key Learning Areas) for different levels. Moreover, STEM lessons can be designed to work around 3D printing to support exploration (Szymanski et al., 2022).
Some ideas include but are not limited to:
Science: printing out molecule models
Math: printing out a puzzle to dissect and put together designed by students
History: printing out artifacts to analyse and examine
Sounds too easy, doesn’t it?
On the contrary, using Tinkercad has its limitations, the process of using Tinkercad is solely based on trial and error. Students will be able to grow their knowledge of the program over time however, it can be difficult at the beginning.
Figure 2: A screenshot of my first time using Tinkercad to model a car and unfortunately giving up as I could not attach the wheels (Rabi, 2023).
Therefore, suggests that there will be multiple lessons working around the program until the user is confident. Students find themselves frustrated and abandoning their projects as they are unable to reach their desired results. As Eryilmaz & Deniz's (2021) study suggests, students who do not frequently use Tinkercad end up finding the software "boring" and opt to complete other tasks in class. Additionally, I believe Tinkercad would be limited to an older age group ranging from ages 10 and up as again, it is challenging to navigate and therefore, would not be suitable for a younger age group.
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REFERENCES
El Sayed, S. (2019). Maker spaces: 3D printing in the classroom. Independent Education, 49(1), 16. https://doi.org/doi/10.3316/ielapa.393999882071225
ERYILMAZ, S., & DENİZ, G. (2021). Effect of Tinkercad on Students’ Computational Thinking Skills and Perceptions: A Case of Ankara Province. TOJET : The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology; Adapazari, 20(1). proquest. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2478759986/fulltextPDF/40A0D6DDF7D44FB9PQ/1?accountid=12219
Factory, S. (2021, February 22). TinkerCAD - Tutorial for Beginners in 9 MINUTES! [ COMPLETE ]. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOs6Mdj7y_4&t=36s
Shi, L., & Fan, C. (2023). A New Learning Resource Recommendation Method for Improving the Efficiency of Students’ Online Independent Learning. International Journal of Emerging Technologies, 18(05), 128–130. iJet. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i05.38503
Szymanski, A., Paganelli, A., & Tassell, J. (2022). 3D Printing in the Mathematics Classroom: Results from a Pilot Study with Advanced Middle School Students. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 51(2), 169–191. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472395221114815
Tinkercad. (n.d.). All you need is a ‘what if…’. https://www.tinkercad.com/
Tinkercad – one of the easiest 3D design Minecraft mods around! (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2023, from https://www.tinkercad.com/minecraft
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EDIT HISTORY
08/03/2023 AT 5:45 pm - Modifications made as per Jessica Steele's feedback.
Hi Edelaide,
Thank you for sharing your blog.
I liked how you have written it as it was easy to follow and it was a great summary of range of usage, benefits as well as limitations.
I particularly liked how you spoke about the frustration some children may feel.
One thing however, is that I am a big believer in the fact that failing is part of learning and giving students the time, and allowing them the time to trial and fail, try a bit more and learn from it, fail and try again, is very much something that our education system doesn't really allow for, and Tinkercad can be a huge part of this learning mode.
Sadly, due to…
Hey Edelaide! I enjoyed reading your post and found the topic to be quite interesting. I appreciate that you covered multiple Key Learning Areas (KLAs) in relation to this emerging technology, rather than just focusing on one. However, I would like to know which age groups you think would benefit the most from this technology. Additionally, I would love to see a video or added photos of Tinkercad.
Overall, great post!
- Jessica Steele 8/03/2023