Design-Based Learning With Digital Fabrication Technologies to Impact Visualization Abilities

• In Event: 54.080 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 54.080-15 - Opportunities and Challenges for Technology in the Arts

Abstract

This descriptive case study explores how childrens’ visualization abilities could be impacted by recurring design-based learning experiences involving the combination of non-digital sculptural art techniques and digital fabrication technologies (i.e. 3D scanning, 3D modeling, and 3D printing). Participants included 20 children aged 6-12, who participated in a free two-week summer camp makerspace focused on art and design. Data included observation, researcher field notes, reflective exit tickets completed by participants daily, and participant-created artifacts. Findings indicate that participants used a wide-range of visualization abilities throughout the design-based learning experience to a) describe problem-solving and intentionality within their design process, and b) describe mathematical concepts contributing to transformations from two-dimensional drawings to three-dimensional sculptural forms.

Author

• Shaunna Smith, Texas State University