I completed a Lynda.com tutorial for my second independent
learning project. I chose to watch a video titled “Mike Hathorn: 3D Printing in
the Classroom”(https://www.lynda.com/SketchUp-tutorials/Mike-Hathorn-3D-Printing-Classroom/185038-2.html). I did not only learn about the new emerging technology known as
3D printing and how it can be used in the classroom because this video had so
much more to offer. Mike Hathorn is a new kind of teacher, whose success rates
are flourishing. The way he interacts with his students is incredible, and so is
the response of his past and present students themselves. He wants to turn
consumers into creators, which does not nothing but benefit his students from
all angles. The way he teaches and the respect he receives is all that I aspire
to have as a future teacher. Using Lynda.com opened up all kinds of doors when
it comes to inspiration and learning “how to”, and I can definitely see myself
making use of this website in the future to better myself and my students down
the road.
Notes:
Students today are extremely tech savvy when it comes to
their cell phones
Students should not just be consumers of technology, but
CREATORS
Your root and curriculum will
always being changing based on students AND their teacher together
Mike Hathorn is a history teacher by trade, but now wants
students to be cutting edge on a regular basis
Kids are taking Mike Hathorn’s courses because:
- He is always there for them in and outside of the classroom
- He values and supports their learning together
- Gets down to his students’ level and communicates
·
The 3D modeling and printing class
- · Kids come up with their own ideas
- · Never want to leave class because they are creating
Mike started off by doing 3D modeling of historical buildings
on Google earth
- · Students digitize their own towns and upload to Google Earth
- · Embedded interviews from towns people who know history of the building using a program called “SketchUp”
3D printing came next when 3D modeling just was not enough
- · Mike’s grant proposal for printing machines was accepted
Wanted to be innovative with the way the classroom is built
- · Bright colored walls and interesting furniture choices to keep student’s engaged
- · No sitting, only standing because studies show their thought process is different while standing
Mr. Hathorn wants students to create the curriculum
- · Students love having freedom within in the classroom
- · Students are not all doing the same exact assignment
o
They create their own rules and guidelines
- · They’re all at their own place in classroom
- · Mike only makes suggestions as a teacher
o
Doesn’t want it to be his project
“In terms of support, its been what to do you want to do and
how can I make sure I am out of your way.”
Students say it is cool to actually “make buildings”
- · Going into the future of technology
Learning this with this type of technology in high school is
important and fun
- · All Mr. Hathorn’s students are successful in his classes because of the unique way he teaches
Changing view points on where their education is going
- · Tech Jam – tech expo in Birmingham, Vermont where students can showcase their work
- · Seeing kids play with technology rather than just using it in the classroom because then kids are actually learning how solve difficult problems
Putting kids in charge of their own learning will be
something they will always look back on even when in their career
Students ambition changes everything because when you do
what is best for your students you will end up somewhere down the right road.
