ISCI 761- Blog 3- Technology Tool & Technology Enabled Learning Model

 Technology Tool in the Library

How can librarians use 3D Printers to enable learning in the classroom and school libraries?

Image Description: An example of a 3D printer in the library 

with several 3D creations on display such as a animal and a microphone.
Source: Aurora Public Library
Aurora Public Library- 3D Printing

What is a 3D Printer?

A 3D Printer is a printer that uses a three dimensional digital model and prints the design of the object created in the software layer by layer.  In order to create the digital model, you will need to use some type of digital 3D design software, like a CAD (computer aided design).  

How can school librarians incorporate 3D Printing in the library to support curriculum and facilitate extended learning beyond the classroom?

3D printers take printing to the next level and allows students to think critically, plan a design, and create pieces they can take away from the library during a library programming event or makerspace time.  One way teachers and librarians can use 3D printing in the classroom and library is by pairing it with the design website called Tinkercad. Tinkercad allows students to plan, design, and create digital 3D objects and spaces using a computer model.  After students use the Tinkercad software, they would be able to print their designs with the 3D printer.  

Technology Enabled Learning

Technology-enabled learning "places the primary emphasis where it needs to be: on the content-based pedagogy of teachers' lessons followed by a consideration of all the tools teachers might use to implement it, in order to effect student learning" (Brantley-Dias and Ertmer 2013, 120).

After reading through this week's required reading, the one technology-enabled learning model that was easiest for me to understand and apply to the 3D printer is The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM). 

"The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) provides a framework for describing and targeting the use of technology to enhance learning. The TIM incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, collaborative, constructive, authentic, and goal-directed." - Florida Center for Instructional Technology

The Matrix explains how from Entry Level to Transformation Level, the levels of technology integration increase in complexity just as the characteristics of the learning environment move from active learning to goal-directed learning.  The levels show how the integration and use progress from a passive basic style of learning and usage to a much more developed complex and integrated approach.  Of course, when introducing a new skill or tool, we want to scaffold our instruction and model as we gradually release students to independently use the technology tool.  From experience, I do think that in some cases, students benefit from being given time and the opportunity to just explore and experience the technology and often learn through manipulation but some students really need a guide and a model or they become overwhelmed and not want to participate.  We all know that technology can be quite overwhelming if you are not naturally tech-savvy.

Using the TIM with a 3D printer, we can see how giving student choice would fit into the Matrix providing authentic learning at the Adaption and Infusion levels.  Additionally, connecting the 3D printer to students' lives while also providing examples of how the 3D printer is connected to the world beyond the school setting fits into the Matrix at the authentic learning and transformation levels.  As students become more familiar and experienced with the technology tool, they can use the tools to plan their own projects, set goals, create designs using creativity and innovation at the highest levels, goal-directed learning at the transformation level.  In my opinion, having students research an idea of their choosing, national park, amusement park, create an invention, etc. then allow them to design a 3D model to share with others is a highly engaging way to integrate the technology.  Teachers and librarians can use the Matrix framework to build lesson upon lesson to help students gain the knowledge and experience they need to be successful independently.  

Image: The image is the TMI Matrix.  Click the image to enlarge.

Resources to Use in the Classroom or Library

As mentioned above, using Tinkercad is one resource you definitely want to allow students to "tinker" with, explore, and create digital 3D designs.  In the classroom or library setting, teachers and librarians could use the website/software to culminate a unit with a final project.  For example, if you are reading a book, you could have students create the setting from the book or create one of the main characters in the book.  Students would need to include details in their 3D project to support evidence from the text.  Another website/software I learned while researching for this blog post is Thingiverse .  This website has many preloaded designs that students can use and manipulate.

I first learned about 3D printing from a fellow librarian, Melanie Wood, @melanie_in_the_library .  I love the ideas she shares incorporating 3D printing in the library.  One idea she shared is 3D printing bubble wands with her kindergarteners!  Imagine reading aloud a book about bubbles, having the students explore what creates bubbles, allowing them time to investigate and play with various materials to create different sizes and shapes.  Then take it to the next level with 3D printing their own design of a bubble wand!  This is also a great time to collaborate with classroom teachers during math lessons on 2D and 3D shapes.  Check out her lesson idea here .  She also used 3D printing with her older students, so this could be used for 4th-6th graders.  They imagined and designed their own carnival!  Other ideas could be to research national parks or amusement parks and build a model or a design of one of their favorite rides.  You can see her post about the carnival project here .

Image Description: The image is a picture of a student example creating a bubble wand.  There is a piece of paper with a student hand-drawn butterfly-like insect bubble wand.  The image is scanned into online software.  The image shows a laptop open with the scanned image.

Image Description:  The image is the final project of the above image.  In the picture you see the hand-drawn butterfly like insect on paper and a student holding their 3D created bubble wand using the image or design they drew out on paper.  The bubble wand is made out of white filament.  It has an end to hold and the circular bubble insect design to dip into a bubble mixture on the end.

I read a great post on the School Library Journal website about 3D printing.  I think often people are hesitant to use 3D printers because they are too complicated, but the blogger shared how easy it was for his 10 year old daughter so he quickly jumped on board.  I think the biggest hurdle one may face using 3D printing in the classroom or library is the filament needed to print.  I really love the directions shared in this post that offer guided help to patrons wanting to use the 3D printer in the library.  This will help individuals use the machine independently.  

Image Description: The image shows detail directions and step by step for 3D printing. 

Source: Karen Jensen

Teen Librarian Toolbox

I found many great resources to use to introduce 3D printing on Teachers Pay Teachers.  There are so many innovative and creative ideas being shared.  I'd love to know if you have any experience with 3D printing or any lesson ideas for the library?  I plan to teach beginner lessons in the library with my middle school students this year!

• Introduction to 3D Printing
• 3D Printing Tinkercad Curriculum
  

Citations

Brantley-Dias, L., and P. Ertmer. 2013. "Goldilocks and TPACK: Is the Construct Just Right'?" Journal of Research on Technology in Education 46 (2): 103-28.