Task 1 - Tinkercad

Update: Added reference for NESA syllabus

What is Tinkercad?

Tinkercad is a web-based program that allows users to create 3D designs, electronic designs (circuits) and do coding (code blocks). Tinkercad has a user-friendly interface, is easy to use and is a versatile program that educators can use in various ways within the classroom. This makes Tinkercad the ideal program for teachers to use in a school setting to enhance creativity.

Fostering Creativity

Fostering creativity through technology is vital for students as it assists in providing and then developing skills and abilities that can be implemented throughout their lives (Henriksen et al, 2021). The use of technology provides students with opportunities to think critically, creatively, problem-solve, communicate and develop digital literacy. It encourages student’s innovation, which supports students in exploring new ideas and concepts in engaging and stimulating ways (Howard et al., 2018).

Tinkercad is a highly effective resource for fostering the creativity of students as it promotes hands-on use, encourages students to use a wide range of skills including problem-solving and inquiry-based learning and stimulates students to be innovative and creative. Tinkercad can be used in many ways within the classroom, such as designing and printing 3D models in art, teaching mathematical concepts such as angles, shapes, symmetry and studying the properties of a 3D shape in a tactile and visual approach. Using 3D printing in mathematics is highly beneficial as learning about three-dimensional shapes is included in the NSW syllabus for mathematics across the stages of primary school and high school, an example of this can be seen in the syllabus code MA2-14MG for stage 2 (NESA, 2023).

CC BY OLIVIA SPANSWICK

Pedagogies

Constructivism

Constructivism focuses on learners constructing knowledge and gaining understanding through their experiences and ideas (Bower, 2017; Bower et al, 2020). Tinkercad’s 3D design feature allows for students to develop their problem-solving skills and encourages innovation through the experimentation of their ideas. This pedagogy is essential, as students are more engaged and motivated in learning and encourages them to explore new ideas and concepts. However, a limitation to using Tinkercad is that it is a web-based program, therefore students may get distracted and have problems staying focused on the task.

Inquiry-based learning

Inquiry-based learning focuses on being student-centred, which encourages students to ask questions and investigate to gain an understanding of concepts (Bower, 2017). This supports students in exploring ideas through problem-solving techniques such as trial and error, which is a very important tool for students in learning. Tinkercad enables students to create ideas and fix any errors in a risk-free environment. This increases their confidence in themselves by encouraging students to take risks through trial and error during the designing process.

References

Bower, M. (2017). Design of Technology-Enhanced Learning: Integrating Research and Practice (First edition.). Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/9781787141827

Bower, Stevenson, M., Forbes, A., Falloon, G., and Hatzigianni, M. (2020). Makerspaces pedagogy - supports and constraints during 3D design and 3D printing activities in primary schools. Educational Media International, 57(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523987.2020.1744845

Henriksen, D., Creely, E., Henderson, M., and Mishra, P. (2021). Creativity and technology in teaching and learning: a literature review of the uneasy space of implementation. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(4), 2091–2108. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09912-z

Howard, Becker, C., Wiebe, S., Carter, M., Gouzouasis, P., McLarnon, M., Richardson, P., Ricketts, K., and Schuman, L. (2018). Creativity and pedagogical innovation: Exploring teachers’ experiences of risk-taking. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 50(6), 850–864. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220272.2018.1479451