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2. Digital fabrication in education

This week I worked on getting used to the laser cutting process. I designed and produced inspirational sticker messages in Armenian and English, saying “Create!”, which I stuck onto students’ folders to motivate them.

Laser-Cut Letters and Sticker Production

First, I explored how to properly set up and operate the laser cutter:I created the design in Adobe Illustrator, prepared it as vector outlines, and saved the file as an SVG.Then, I opened the SVG file in Inkscape for final adjustments and machine setup.I connected my laptop to a Roland vinyl cutter.

After a few tests, I found that cutting at 130 speed worked best for the material I was using.Once the settings were calibrated, I proceeded with the full cutting job.

After finishing the cuts, I unsetup Vynil cutter.Through this exercise, I learned not just about laser cutting and vinyl cutting techniques, but also about setting up files correctly and adjusting machine settings for different materials.

Reflection questions

How does this process relate to what you are teaching in the classroom?

In the classroom, we use folders to save their papers and artworks. I think it would be nice for students to have personalized folders with their names and motivational stickers, such as “Create,” “Imagine,” or “Explore.”

How does this project inspire you?

We can add “Call to Action” stickers with motivational words like Create!, Imagine, Explore, Invent, Dream Big. Alongside their names, we could include little cut-out icons such as paintbrushes, lightbulbs, rockets, pencils, stars, or gears to make each folder even more personal.

Shortly describe an educational activity in which you could use a vinyl cutter. Explain how would you implement each one of the steps of the design process model explained in the Master Class. Do not forget to discuss about learning outcomes.

Students could design their own custom “badge” — a mini logo that represents them — and stick it on their folder. Students needed motivation and confidence with digital fabrication. I designed inspirational “Create!” stickers in Armenian and English for their folders. Activity will help to connect digital fabrication to self-expression. Understand the link between digital design and physical output. kids will develop creativity and artistic skills,learn how to digitize their designs (scanning, editing), understand how digital tools can transform their physical artwork into a practical product (personalized folders), gain confidence in making personalized creations that reflect their identity.

Create “Create!” stickers in Armenian and English to motivate students and connect digital fabrication to self-expression. Explore laser and vinyl cutter workflows, learning design and file preparation (Illustrator ➔ SVG ➔ Inkscape). Define design requirements to ensure simplicity, readability, and folder compatibility. Generate ideas for words, fonts, and layouts, practicing iteration. Prototype designs by testing samples and adjusting speed and size. Test the cuts, gather feedback, and reflect on design choices. Improve the design based on feedback and finalize production.

In which part of the digital fabrication continuum would you feel more comfortable? Why? I want to let the students more of digital fabrication, because its more egnaging, creative, they learn new skills by using digital fabrication, wich are important to understand the process from skteching to imlpementation, but still I feel not so comfortable with the managing whole process.