3D-Modelling is a vital tool that blends physical understanding, and technological skill, which can be used across a variety of classrooms, such as Mathematics or Applied Sciences. One emerging tool that is proving useful for modern classrooms is an online software called SketchUp created by the company Trimble.
This 3D Modelling software features intuitive tools to create complete pieces, and features tutorials that can be followed by students. These projects can then be 3D printed if the facilities are available, to be used tactically in classrooms. A characteristic use of this technology would be in designing structures. HSC Design and Technology students could use this software to design prototypes of projects, without the need for constant rebuilding, or re-sourcing of materials for a physical project, or a Mathematics classroom could use it to understand how different shapes can tile together with its copying features.
House Design created using SketchUp 3D Modelling Tool | Beate Mannes
These integrations between analogue and digital technologies are essential, as they provide the tools for students to explore their inspirations and create them into reality. By including both traditional and digital techniques for modelling, it will allow students to exhibit their creativity in ways which feel comfortable and understandable to them, while still providing new intrigue and through the process of designing in both forms, students will inherently gain transferable skills in technologies, spatial reasoning, and self-scaffolding which can be taken to further subjects, interest areas and further on in life (See, 2020).
The use of these spaces for modelling and exploring design and student ideas supports and implements effective pedagogies with new technologies. The expansion of general learning and teaching, to one that provides scaffolding but room for exploration of learning will support a classroom with new skill development and student strategies for explaining their products (Bower et al., 2020). There is small debate on the effectiveness of software of this kind, as it does require teachers to be comfortable with using it, and students to effectively understand and use it to implement ideas, taking up extra resources and times to make the whole classroom comfortable with using such a new tool, these drawbacks are minimal in comparison to the skills which will immerge.
To foster creativity, you not only need to allow students to explore their learning and ideas, but also provide the materials to aid them. Combining digital 3D Modelling with analogue styles, can integrate and explore technology in communicating student ideas, fostering their creativity through the tools available.
References
Bower, Stevenson, M., Forbes, A., Falloon, G., & Hatzigianni, M. (2020). Makerspaces pedagogy - supports and constraints during 3D design and 3D printing activities in primary schools. Educational Media International, 57(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523987.2020.1744845
See. (2020). Something old and something new : Transitioning from analogue to digital technologies through 2D and 3D modelling in the classroom. Australian Art Education, 41(1), 75–86.
Hi Beate!
I really enjoyed your blog post on SketchUp and think that is was very insightful into how students can use it to foster creativity skills. I particularly liked your link to HSC Design and Technology students and how they could use it as prototypes for projects! I think this is a great idea as it would allow students to experiment with different design, as well as test the functionality of their prototypes. I also agree with the comment you made to critique SketchUp to do with with teachers needing to be comfortable using the software. I think if teachers have the proper training to use this technology it could be a very beneficial software to use.
Well done…