New technologies as part of a pedagogical approach

3DBear

Helsinki, Finland

3D printing, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) take Maker Culture and studying STEAM subjects at school to a whole new level. This model presents how to utilize new technologies from a pedagogical perspective.

3D printing, AR, digitality, learning units, Maker Culture, multidisciplinarity, phenomenon-based learning, STEAM, STEM, VR

Introduction

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Introduction

What is it all about?

“With our help kids can finally design and print their own toys – learning maths and design at the same time.”

Jussi Kajala, COO

3D printing, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will be standard equipment in future learning environments. However, merely obtaining the required equipment won’t get you very far. What’s needed is content that brings added value to learning, encourages obtaining knowledge while developing skills needed in the future.

At present, there are two issues facing the use of 3D technologies that the innovation aims to resolve: technologies are too difficult for a busy teacher to use and there is no appropriate learning content available. Together with Finnish schools, 3DBear has created smart learning content that utilizes 3D technologies in teaching.

3DBear’s gamified content can be accessed with different devices, for example with tablets or laptops. It has never been so easy to integrate 3D technologies into teaching.

3DBear consists of different learning modules that work well with multidisciplinary STEAM teaching (science, technology, engineering, art and math) in elementary school. The modules include everything from architecture to 3D modeling.

3DBear isn’t just an application or a collection of excellent teaching material, but a complete learning unit. 3DBear has been used in nearly fifty schools in Finland already. The schools testing 3DBear have not only succeeded in modifying their way of doing things, but have enabled students left behind in the conventional classroom to shine. Students who learn best through trial and error will benefit tremendously from 3D as a learning tool.

Intended Outcomes

Learners develop creative problem solving skills Learners develop design thinking skills

Learners are increasingly able to apply tech skills in daily life situations

Motivation for learning is increased

Learners develop 3D perception and understanding

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Target Group

2015

Established

Resources Needed

3DBear license (free trial period), iPads or Chromebooks or laptops, equipment such as 3D printers or AR and VR headsets (e.g. Google Cardboard) are also useful.

HundrED Criteria

innovativeness

impact

scalability

The innovation integrates new technologies into teaching in a pedagogically meaningful way by taking different types of learners into consideration.

Deep learning of new technologies provides an advantage for students in the future.

3DBear is used in Helsinki as well as in Silicon Valley, USA. It can be used in any school with the technological equipment needed.

Steps

How do you implement it?

Get to know 3DBear

On the 3DBear website for teachers, you can find materials both for free and for purchase.

The site contains educational videos, lesson plans, and a demonstration of the application. Begin familiarizing yourself with the fascinating world of 3D printing either on your own or with your students.

Familiarize yourself with the learning modules and lesson plan

3DBear includes several different learning modules that can be used in different subjects.

Each lesson plan is comprehensive and applicable to different age groups. Lesson plans include homework assignments as well as distinct tasks for different types of learners, and templates for a learning diary and self-assessment.

The Architect learning module

In the architect game learning module students of all ages learn architecture using 3D printing and get to play an apartment rental game.

You can read through the Architect module’s lesson plan for free on 3DBear’s website.

The Avatar-learning module

The Avatar learning module allows students to create a virtual character or an avatar. The model explores 3D printing from the beginning of the design process starting with an idea, through the modeling process, to printing, and finally to post-processing the model prototype.

The possibilities are endless and your imagination will sweep you away!

Connect-the-dots game module

Connect-the-dots is an exciting VR-headset game, in which scales and number sequences are learned through multi-sensory learning methods. The scales can later be realized by 3D printing. Number sequences are in turn the basis of modern software development.

You can also use 3DBear's free VR application separately. You’ll need Google Cardboard glasses and a smartphone app which you can download from Appstore or Google Play.