Pioneer Tabitha Lewis shares the story of undergraduate student Gloria Song, whose digital literacy skills improved after she decided to incorporate 3D printing into her final project.
Gloria Song is an undergraduate student at Brock University, pursuing a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
In an introductory audiology course, students were required to create a surprising element for their final project.
So, in her search for help and inspiration, she came to Brock University's Makerspace. Ultimately, she decided to use 3D modeling and printing to create a visual representation of the inner ear.
Makerspace staff consulted with Gloria Song multiple times, asking her important questions, guiding her through the design thinking process, and encouraging exploratory and problem-based learning.
As she spent more time working in the Makerspace, her digital literacy skills improved, eventually making her a trusted resource for other students with 3D printing questions.
Gloria tells her story:
As part of my audiology course introduction, the final project was to demonstrate our understanding of sound propagation. We had to create an ear model that assists in sound transmission. I chose the eardrum as my subject, but worried about how to create an accurate representation. At first I thought about using wires and plastic sheets, but cutting and bending wires into the correct shape was a difficult and rather dangerous task, so my idea transformed into using 3D models I had previously seen in the Brock Library Makerspace.
When I entered the Makerspace, I only had a vague idea of what I wanted to do. I tried to describe how I wanted people to make it, and they were able to lead me in the right direction. I learned to use the online application TinkerCAD and made the bare bones of the eardrum. I learned how to use the application and the 3D printer. The hardest part was turning the shape I had in mind into an actual model in the application.
Through many trials and errors, I learned that getting the right help in 3D design is the most important factor in achieving good results. Using the bare bones I printed, I was able to add other materials to achieve different textures for the various parts of the eardrum.
When I was finally able to put these pieces together, I felt a great sense of satisfaction. I even printed a small tray to keep them organized. This was my first attempt at creating new things and being creative.
I believe there are many other techniques that can be learned in the Makerspace. Next stop, Arduino projects!
An overview of Gloria's learning process:
Gloria is now a "Makerspace Champion", constantly experimenting with new designs and learning new techniques in the Makerspace. She comes into the Makerspace every day and is very willing to help others who, like her before, were intimidated by technology and had no knowledge of 3D modeling or printing. "[Starting this project in the Makerspace] was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had so far, everyone was so friendly and helpful, and my project turned out exactly as I envisioned, I encourage everyone to give it a try," she says.
We hope others can see Gloria's journey and be inspired to try 3D printing for their next project.
Original link:https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/52483-taking-the-first-step-using-3d-modeling-to-enhance-learning