Module 01

The Possibilities of Digital Fabrication in K-12 Education

Create learning tools using digital fabrication

This introductory module lays the groundwork for educators seeking to integrate maker practices and digital fabrication processes into educational environments. Participating educators explore the maker mindset, understand its impact in education and examine different learning theories that support these practices.

Module in a nutshell

SCIENCE OF LEARNING

• Maker Mindset
• TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) vs FLA Educational Model
• Constructionism theory
• Socio emotional learning

TECHNOLOGY

• Overview of Maker Movement
• 2D design
• First steps in digital fabrication: Vinyl Cutting and Laser Cutting

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

• Digital Fabrication for kids
• Structuring a project using design process model

Content

Week 1

Masterclass

• Overview of the Maker Movement in education
• FLA education model
• Teaching through digital fabrication . TPACK.

Discussion

• Digital fabrication in learning environments. Background and opportunities

Asynchronous content and work in participants' Fab Labs

• Examples of digital fabrication activities for kids
• Live presentation of different digital fabrication processes

Assignment

• Setup the Learning diary
• Create an introduction video
• Get to know the learning space

Week 2

Masterclass

• Digital fabrication for/with kids continuum
• Design process models
• Designing FOR kids: physicalizing hard concepts
• Using vinyl cutting in educational environments

Discussion

• Definition of learning outcomes in Digital Fabrication activities.
• Transversal skills
• Review of lesson plan

Asynchronous content and work in participants' Fab Labs

• Learning outcomes: content vs horizontal competences
• 2D design. Introduction to Vector Graphics.
• Using the vinyl cutter. Heat transfer.

Assignment

• Learn 2D basic tools.
• Design and cut a sticker using the vinyl cutter.

Week 3

Masterclass

• Pedagogical theories supporting digital fabrication in education. Constructionism.
• Teachers reflective practices
• Socio emotional learning and horizontal competences
• Using laser cutter in educational environments

Discussion

• Educational activities: developing social/emotional learning using digital fabrication.
• Review of design and fabrication for the field activity. Alignment with learning outcomes

Asynchronous content and work in participants' Fab Labs

• Creating a lesson plan.
• Examples of laser cutter projects in a classroom
• Advanced concepts in 2D design for digital fabrication
• Using the laser cutter. Setting up and understanding parameters.

Assignment

• Design and cut with the laser cutter an object that can be used in your classroom.

Field activity

• Fabricate an object/manipulate that you can use to support your teaching. Create a lesson plan in which the fabricated object is included and aligns with the learning goals. The learning outcomes should not be related to the use of technology, but instead should include a set of subject specific outcomes or at least a set of horizontal competences.