Week 3 - SketchUp (Design Thinking)

Welcome back, this week we will be looking at how design thinking fosters student creativity using CAD drawing tools such as SketchUp.

SketchUp is a computer-based 3D modelling program that allows students to use various drawing applications to create and design different objects and shapes. SketchUp can be used to teach students about different design and engineering concepts using real-world applications to encourage students to creatively engage in designing models. Sketchup is easily accessible and simple to use when taught carefully. Due to its creative-freedom and various tools, students can create whatever interests them.

SketchUp is a beneficial tool to incorporate into the classroom for early Stage 1/2 students as it fosters creativity and can be used to teach a variety of concepts. SketchUp can be used in Mathematics classes to teach two dimensional objects such as a rectangle which can then be made into a 3D object when pushing or pulling it orthogonally to extend it. The mathematics syllabus outcome MAE-2DS-01 and MAE-3DS-01 requires students to make shapes in a new and creative way (NESA,2012). Thus, by incorporating SketchUp into mathematics classes students can develop their design thinking and enhance their visualisation and measurement skills. Through a constructivist pedagogical approach students can create houses and architectural designs using 3D shapes which further develop students understanding of 3D shapes.

Design thinking is vital in the classroom as it fosters student creativity and open-mindness (Calavia et al., 2021). CAD architecture tools can reduce student uncertainty as it allows them to refine their concepts by testing and using trial-and-error when designing shapes and objects (Abduludh’s, 2020). SketchUp assists students with spatial awareness and spatial design, a vital tool when fostering creativity and innovation in class lessons such as mathematics (Lahav & Wolfson, 2022). Through trial-and-error students learn and develop in different areas including dimensions and perimeters which effectively shape their design thinking skills. Thus, SketchUp is beneficial to incorporate into the classroom as it enhances design thinking skills and creativity.

Although SketchUp has many benefits for design thinking, there are some limitations that need to be considered. Whilst SketchUp is an excellent tool to incorporate into Mathematics lessons not all students have equal access to this technology and thus cannot benefit from this platform (Team, 2022). Additionally, SketchUp can be challenging for beginners and the interface can be overwhelming. Thus, teachers may need to allocate a lot of time to familiarise themselves and students with this application.

References:

Abdullah, S. (2020). Design Thinking in fostering creativity and innovation

Calavia, M. B., Blanco, T., & Casas, R. (2021). Fostering creativity as a problem-solving competence through design: Think-Create-Learn, a tool for teachers. Thinking skills and creativity, 39, 100761.

Lahav, O., & Wolfson, A. (2022, June 22). Enhancing spatial skills of young children with special needs using the Osmo Tangram based on tangible technology versus a Tangram card game - virtual reality. SpringerLink. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10055-022-00665-z

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). (2012). Mathematics K–10 Syllabus. NSW Curriculum.

Team, G. (2022, May 9). 18 potential disadvantages / challenges of Tangram Puzzles. Gamesver. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.gamesver.com/potential-disadvantages-challenges-of-tangram-puzzles/