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Week 2

Assignments

  • [ ] Task 1: [Design and cut a sticker (or heat transfer) for your classroom/context that reflects your understanding of the maker mindset /maker movement in education.]
  • [ ] Task 2: [Document in your Learning Diary a description of the process and at least 2 photos]

Process

For this week assignment, I plan to make city stickers.

I used the YiTu cutting plotter. Below is an introduction to the machine.

YiTu Cutting Plotter MAX4 Servo Model — Specifications Overview

Specification Description Maximum Paper Feed Width 330 mm Maximum Cutting Width 330 mm Cutting Accuracy ±0.01 mm Repeatability 0.082 mm Max Linear Cutting Speed 1500 mm/s Maximum Cutting Force 1200 g Drive Type Servo Motor Drive Display LCD Screen Interface USB / USB Flash Drive / Serial Port Supported File Formats PLT, DXF, HPGL, etc. OS Compatibility Windows, partially compatible with macOS Standard Features Auto positioning, contour cutting, continuous cutting, kiss cutting Application Fields Heat transfer, signage, car decals, paper crafting, etc.

I created a city design by DOUBAO

I used the lasermaker to design.

Lastly, I used vinyl cutter to cut and produce the final piece.! !!

Reflection

●Based on this week experience, Which are the opportunties when integrating this technology in the classroom? How do you think it could support your teaching? First, using doubao for the design helped me to become more familiar with using AI to get the design. By instructing the AI, I learned how to combine different elements creatively to create unique and expressive designs.These are opportunties to integrate technology in the classroom. During the cutting process, operating the viny cutter gave me a deeper understanding of how to use the cutting machine, allowing me to adjust the slot width and design dimensions appropriately. This process helped me pay more attention to detail and precision, as it made me realize the relationship between design and actual manufacturing.Since I learned the skill I will be able to input the core vocabulary and phrases from different groups, make them into stickers, and distribute them to students as classroom teaching aids.

●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 objectives. Design an English lesson for children aged around 10 to introduce the overall space of a Fablab as well as the operation of a vinyl cutter, thereby creating opportunities for English conversation practice. Through this practice, students will master the core vocabulary related to the Fablab space and be able to briefly explain the use of the machine in English.

●In which part of the digital fabrication continuum (DF for kids to DF by kids) would you feel more comfortable? Why? -DF for kids Before preparing the course, I have already used a vinyl cutter to make core sentences, designed them in different colors, and varied their lengths according to the level of difficulty. With teaching aids ready, students will have a clearer sense of purpose in class and the lessons will be more engaging. -DF with kids When the class starts, I will tell the students about our main vocabulary goals for this session. Next, they need to open the Laser Maker software just as I did earlier, type in the organized sentences, and then use the vinyl cutter to make them into stickers. These stickers can be pasted in their notebooks and are also the key points of our class. -DF by kids The students are already quite familiar with the operation process of the vinyl cutter. I need them to design vocabulary and core sentence patterns for introducing the Fablab, targeted at visiting international peers of the same age. These materials should ensure that the international students can understand the spatial design principles of the Fablab and how to use the relevant machines. With this task in mind, the students will understand that the purpose of making the stickers is to help the international students better comprehend our learning space.

For digital fabrication continuum, I feel like “DF by kids” is the most challenging task. I will be more comfortable with “DF for kids”with my teaching purpose to desin the teaching aid. Overall, this project allowed me to become more familiar with the complete process from design to production and improved my hands-on and problem-solving skills. In future projects, I will continue to optimize the design and production process to achieve greater precision and efficiency.

Tools

  • Tools or software used
  • vinyl cutter / plotter
  • lasermaker（https://www.lasermaker.com.cn/）
  • 豆包 doubao（https://www.doubao.com/chat/create-image）
  • References or tutorials followed