3D Pens

Integrating Technology using 3D Pens

Incorporating technology can be scary for those of us who are not considered tech-savvy. Sometimes, it’s not us but our students who have not had much digital experience, which can also make us hesitant to use it. Nevertheless, the idea of using technology in the classroom is appealing because there are so many fun ways to get students to be more hands on, and let’s face it - students typically learn more from doing and explaining than from reading and listening. So how can technology be used in a way that is beneficial for students without requiring much experience or a degree in computer science from us less-savvy users? Fortunately, there are learning models out there that are technology-based, which can help guide teachers in incorporating it, whether it is for a simple activity or an in-depth lesson. The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) is one of them; it is a clear and easy tool to use to guide the implementation of any kind of technology for any skill level.

The TIM is a matrix consisting of 25 squares. The horizontal and vertical matrices consist of five types of learning environments: active, collaborative, constructive, authentic, and goal-directed, and five levels of technology integration: entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation (Matrix|TIM, n.d.). The learning environment is created by the teacher and integration is what the students will be doing. The 25 squares then describe what it should look like when the two come together. For each of the 25 squares, extended descriptions are provided of what the teachers and students should be doing as well as what the setting should look like. As with most learning models, there are higher and lower levels of thinking; the further down and across one goes in the matrix, the higher the level of thinking. For example, if a teacher wants students to collaborate with the use of technology, but she also wants to adopt, or direct, the use of the technology because some students may not be comfortable using it yet, then the matrix states that there will be a “collaborative use of tools in conventional ways.” The extended resources provide more details on what that should look like and include countless videos and graphics to assist:

A fun tool to use when incorporating technology is a 3D pen, and it is an excellent way to "test the digital waters." 3D pens are smaller versions of the popular 3D printers but are much more affordable and easier to use in a library or classroom setting. The pens require filament, which is the spool of plastic that is used to melt and form into 3D shapes. The filament comes in a variety of colors.

These pens can be purchased for under $40 (although be wary of the extremely cheap, off-brand pens). Some cheaper versions are reviewed here, and it also shows how the pen can be used:

3D pens make for a great intro to using technology in the classroom because there are so many creative ways that it can be used. For example, Martha Slack explores its usage in her blog post on Edtechteacher (2014). She also does an excellent job explaining the basics of how the pen works. Her suggestions range from using it in math to form geometric shapes to creating prototypes for atoms or molecules in science to creating basic sculptures or art, which can work in an art or English class. Students in grades 2-12 could use 3D pens and have fun doing so because they are so easy to learn how to use and are relatively safe if the proper precautions are taken (as with scissors or any other tool). 

In his blog, Will Fastiggi (n.d.) suggests having students start out making “hipster glasses” using a template, just to get used to using the 3D pen. The results are not only hilarious, but they allow students to take something tangible away from the lesson - a funny souvenier!

Regardless of what you decide to use them for (there are so many uses!), 3D pens are an easy way to use technology in the classroom that is fun and memorable for students. For example, if a math teacher were to use it alongside the TIM on the adoption level to do collaborative work, a lesson might look like this:

1. Demonstrate how to use the 3D pen by creating a small shape. Show students the importance of letting one line dry before moving on to the next. Show an example video.
2. Have students create hipster glasses, if preferred (templates should be provided by you as well as an example piece).
3. Pair students for partner work.
4. After having learned about geometric shapes such as trapezoids or rhombuses, students will draw a shape from a jar.
5. Next, they will sketch out the shape they plan to create on paper, to use as a template. Students will create two versions: a 2d and 3d version of the shape (e.g. a cube instead of a square; a quick google search may help with perspective).
6. Once students have worked together to create two templates, then they will use their pens and create their shapes. Teacher will walk around and assist when needed.
7. Once completed, students will display their work and do a “gallery walk” to view all of the shapes the following day.

There are so many ways technology can be incorporated, and by utilizing TIM, the lessons can be as challenging or as simple as you would like them to be.

Resources

3Doodler Start. (2016, Mar 1). 3Doodler start hipster glasses project demo [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t2uEjxFEnU

Fastiggi, Will. (n.d.). 3d printer pen for the classroom. Technology for Learners. Retrieved from https://technologyforlearners.com/3d-printer-pen-for-the-classroom/

Make Anything. (2018, Nov. 16). Testing the cheapest 3D pens // Great Wide Shark. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcZt3oYIgf4

Matrix|TIM. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix/

Slack, M. (2014, June 16). A look at using 3D pens in the classroom – guest post from Martha Slack. Edtechteacher. Retrieved from https://edtechteacher.org/3d-pens-in-the-classroom-guest-post-from-martha-slack/