Students as Inventors
Using physical and digital technologies in today's classrooms provides students with opportunities and new experiences that promote problem solving and inquiry-based learning. "Problem solving and inquiry- based learning refer to educational activities in which students ask questions, make predictions, test theories and revise ideas based on data and evidence" (Maloy et al., 2021, p. 741). Educators can support students learning by integrating problem solving and inquiry based-learning within curriculum expectations. Teachers are able to use "real-world situations and issues to actively stimulate students' wonder and curiosity" (Maloy et al., 2021, p.742). Students' interests are at the centre of creating engaging and interactive learning experiences for all. "Incorporating students' interests makes problem solving an engaging instructional approach to learning at every grade" (Maloy et al., 2021, p. 742).
This week I had the opportunity to visit a classroom of a teacher who incorporates technology everyday into her classroom. Technology is a very important aspect in the way she delivers instruction and assesses student learning. The teacher has provided students with the opportunity to experience physical and digital technology throughout the school year. The teacher was able to receive a grant for a 3D printer for our school. Students in her class are actively engaged in creating 3D objects from computer based files and plans, they are incorporating physical and digital technologies together to learn. "Educators are forecasting 3-D printers in every K-12 classroom, giving young engineers and scientists the opportunity to create physical representations of their ideas and designs" (Maloy et al., 2021, p. 796). I really enjoyed visiting the class, the teacher explained how the 3D printer works, but what I enjoyed most was listening to the students entering the conversation and explaining the various different objects they have created and how it works. The students were very knowledgable on this type of technology, where as I have never seen a 3D printer before. One of the students told me that they made Amoung Us cookie cutters from the 3D printer. Students in this class are inventors, they are making connections from curriculum to real-world situations and incorporating their interests and ideas to create! They are our future scientists and engineers!
"Creating 3-D projects enables students to build their own artifacts and representations as part of classroom-based learning, forging concrete connections between their own actions and the academic concepts they are learning in class" (Maloy et al., 2021, p. 799). Educators that value technology in their classroom provide learning experiences that prepare students in the real world. There are many benefits of using 3D printing projects within the classroom. "educators perceive that 3-D printing projects help students develop 3D modelling, creative thinking, technological literacy, problem solving, perseverance, self-directed learning, and critical thinking skills" (Maloy et al., 2021, p. 799).
No doubt the future is bright, with caring educators who challenge students to think outside of the box!
-Until next time, Mrs. Ramon.
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