Post 1 - Task 1: Emerging Technology in Education

Teacher Tech Talk : 3D pens in the classroom

Our lives have been impacted by technological advancements in the last few decades, and our children's lives are no different. In this whirlwind of technological change, educators need to find the best tools to support their students. The high cost of emerging technological items may prevent all Australian students from benefiting from the innumerable benefits associated with integrating them into classrooms.

Research has shown that students and teachers alike benefit from incorporating technology in the classroom (Mishra & Henrikson, 2013; Lin, 2011). The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has developed benchmark levels for each age group of students across a 'Critical and Creative Thinking learning continuum' (n.d.) to support this research.

(CC By Lee Gardner, 2023)

3D pens will be the topic of this blog post.

This handheld device allows users to create tactile or 3-dimensional objects by drawing onto a plastic template, or laminate sheet (laminated paper works great!). Prevent superficial burns by teaching students general safety lessons before using the pen. The pen heats plastic filament to 190 degrees in the chamber and extruding it from the heated tip. It cools instantly so opportunities for injury are low.

My first experience with a 3D pen came recently. This was an engaging and enjoyable experience. My tactile and attempted 3D projects can be seen below. My technique improved after only a few practices (see centre picture).

(CC By Lee Gardner, 2023)

Mathematical learning benefits greatly from hands-on experiences and engage students more effectively; for example, designing nets of 3D shapes and calculating area and volume with given dimensions. Students may become disconnected from material via traditional teaching methods. By allowing students to construct what they are learning, they better understand and retain information (Hattie, 2012). Additionally, any behaviour issues due to frustration would be reduced.

Currently, a single 3D pen with filament costs between $25 and $40 (ebay.com.au). Many schools and teachers cannot afford this, but most classroom sets require approximately 30 units ($750 - $1000).

(Ebay.com.au, 2023)

In conclusion, the 3D pen is an emerging technological tool that can transform the learning of many students. By providing a hands-on, visual experience, students will be able to retain the information more readily. While the implementation would be beneficial, it is an unfortunate consideration for educators to strike a balance between effective learning outcomes and affordability.

References

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA] (n.d.). Critical and creative thinking. https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/critical-and-creative-thinking/

Hattie. (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203181522

Mishra, & Henriksen, D. (2013). A NEW Approach to Defining and Measuring Creativity: Rethinking Technology & Creativity in the 21st Century. TechTrends, 57(5), 10–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-013-0685-6