Welcome to our first blog which looks at how digital technologies foster creativity in class. This week we will be exploring the use of the 3D pen an emerging technology.
The 3D pen is an incredible technology to incorporate into the classroom, as children can create their own personalised three-dimensional drawings and objects fostering student creativity, a key goal of the NSW K-6 syllabus (NESA, 2012). The 3D pen is an open-moulded device that allows students to freely draw by pushing down a button which extrudes a heated plastic whereby students can transfer static lines on a page into physically constructed 3D objects (Bernard and Mendez., 2020). The 3D pen offers students creative freedom that ordinary pens cannot provide, by using a design and inquiry-based learning approach (Fastiggi, 2023).
Researchers conducted a study of students in grade four and five which incorporated a sketch along with a 3D pen element whereby students created sketches and images of 3D bugs (Dousary & Weible, 2019). The results of this study show insights into how designing contextual activities using a 3D pen can foster creative perceptions within the classroom. Additionally, the 3D pen is an excellent tool for students as it develops their motor skills, improves hand-eye coordination and aids in cognitive development, a vital part of learning.
Another research study found that the 3D pen is useful when incorporated into mathematic classes as it improves the visualisation of 3D geometrical objects, shapes and structures (Ng & Ye., 2023). The type of interaction a student has when using the 3D pen provides a different experience to using pencil and paper. Using the 3D pen to create objects and shapes in mathematics requires students to use higher-order cognitive thinking skills to effectively complete a task. This technology can foster creativity in classes and assist in curriculum learning when effectively incorporated into constructivist classes where students are encouraged to explore and experiment with 3D technologies (Bower, 2017).
Whilst the 3D pen is an exciting emerging technology there are some concerns surrounding its use. The first being the heat of the pen which reaches temperatures of 180-220 degrees celsius and the risks associated with students getting burnt (Flynt, 2021). Using strong management skills in the classroom can prevent the risk of burning (Bower, 2017). Another concern surrounding the 3D pen is the accessibility due to the pen's expense and concerns that not every child will be given the same access to use a 3D pen in class.
Overall, 3D pens are a powerful technology in fostering creativity as they provide students with a hands-on learning experience.
References:
Bernard, P., & Mendez, J. D. (2020, January 3). Drawing in 3D: Using 3D printer pens to draw chemical models. IUBMB Journals. Retrieved March 7, 2023, from https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/bmb.21334
Bower, M. (2017) Design of Technology: Enhanced Learning Integrating Research and Practice. Bingley: Emerald Publishing Limited.
Dousay, T. A., & Weible, J. L. (2019, January 4). Build-A-bug workshop: Designing a learning experience with emerging technology to foster creativity - techtrends. SpringerLink. Retrieved March 6, 2023, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11528-018-0364-8
Fastiggi, W. (2023, February 2). Bringing ideas to kids: The advantages of a 3D pen in the modern world. Technology for Learners. Retrieved March 6, 2023, from https://technologyforlearners.com/bringing-ideas-to-kids-the-advantages-of-a-3d-pen-in-the-modern-world/
Flynt, J. (2021, December 2). How safe are 3D pens? 3D Insider. Retrieved March 6, 2023, from https://3dinsider.com/how-safe-3d-pens/
Ng, O.-L., & Ye, H. (2023, February 23). Doing mathematics with 3D pens: Five years of research on 3D printing integration in mathematics classrooms. SpringerLink. Retrieved March 6, 2023, from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-658-38867-6_7#Abs1
NSW Department of Education. (2012). Creative arts K-6 syllabus. Retrieved from https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/creative-arts/creative-arts-k-6/creative-arts-k-6-syllabus
Hey Gemma,
What a fantastic blog you have created!
The variety of applications of 3D pens in primary schools was also intriguing to me. I enjoyed reading about constructivist classes where students explore and experiment with 3D technologies. Would love to see you examine this idea more, ensuring we look at it from various perspectives as new teachers!
Imijin Rutherford
Hey Gemma,
I thought your post was so interesting. I didn’t really think 3D printer pens would be so useful in a classroom context to help foster learning, not just creativity in the classroom! I thought Your blood with it out really nice thing was extremely clear. I love the pictures you included too and just overall thought your whole blog was so informative!
Shira Charif (09/03/2023)
Hi Gemma, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. I too, chose this topic and I appreciate the differences that you were able to highlight with your perspective. Your thoughts are well supported by evidence and this shows the extensive research you have conducted for this task. A professional and well written blog. I look forward to reading your future blog posts. Congratulations! Lee Gardner (09/03/2023)
Hello Gemma,
This is a wonderful and detailed piece on the application of 3D pens and how they foster creativity in the classroom. I quite enjoyed the reading and found I learnt a lot about the pen itself and its uses, especially as it is a fairly new technology. I quite like how you applied it to a specific activity that students can do within the classroom, very beneficial for educators. In future, I would love to know which stage level and syllabus outcome from the NSW syllabus the activity meets as it can further my knowledge of how to apply it within the classroom. I'm also pleased you highlighted the risks associated with this technology, this allows educators t…
Hi Gemma,
What a creative blog! It is very well structured making it such an easy process to read it. Your use of many references to back up your information just shows how many educators are starting to use 3D pens within the classroom. I really liked the example about how 3D pens can be used in an activity for mathematics. For the future, I would like to see a link directly to the NSW syllabus as this shows teachers just how easy it would be to incorporate the use of the 3D pen into their classrooms.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading your post and it has made me excited to try out 3D pens myself.
Olivia Spanswick (09/03/2023)