3-D Printing, Coding, and Robotics

This week’s readings were some of the most interesting readings to date.  I’ve heard people mention 3-D printing and now I have some understanding of what it is and how it can be used.  The concept is fascinating! Three of my favorite ideas for utilizing 3-D printing in a school or school library setting are creating props to be used in a stop-motion animation project such as making a digital book report, improving authenticity of learning by producing and using 3 dimensional objects that are related to topics that are being studied, and using 3D printing to create products that represent students’ solutions to contrived problems.

Another great way to promote students’ development of higher level thinking skills is coding. Coding requires the user to develop the skills necessary to think through steps to solve problems, understand cause and effect, and it promotes increased stamina to find solutions to problems. These skills are necessary for good decision making in everyday life and they will help students be more successful in any occupation they pursue. There are numerous resources available to get students engaged in activities that foster understanding and mastery of programming skills.  From utilization of board games for very young children to sophisticated computer games and creation work spaces for older students, opportunities for digital learning can be obtained in schools.

Robots can offer assistance, motivation, and entertainment. In the library, robots could be used to assist students with research or accomplish other tasks that are multi-step processes.  Robots can provide verbal instruction of task steps for students to follow and they can ask questions that would prompt students to verify that the required steps had been followed and all elements for completion of a task had been carried out.

Sources

Powell, B. (2014, November 17). ABC Eyewitness News: 3-D Printing is changing how elementary school students learn. Retrieved July 11, 2015 from http://kstp.com/article/stories/s3622112.shtml

Sansing, C. (2015, May 4). School Library Journal: 3D printing, worth the hype? Retrieved July 11, 2015 from http://www.slj.com/2015/05/technology/3-d-printing-worth-the-hype-the-maker-issue/#_

Tahnk, J. (2015, April 27). Huffington Post: Cool products for teaching kids how to code. Retrieved July 11, 2015 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeana-lee-tahnk/neat-products-for-teachin_b_7138030.html

Yam, K. (2015, April 14). Huffington Post: Cherry robot helps kids with pain during hospital procedures. Retrieved July 13, 2015 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/14/medi-robot_n_7057168.html