(Makers Empire, 2018)
Design thinking is the process of creative and critical thinking that allows organisation of information and ideas, problem solving, improvement of situations and an increase of knowledge (Mootee, 2013). Within the field of education, there is a need to further understand the potential applications of design thinking (Chai et al., 2015). The design and printing platform Makers Empire can enhance design thinking for students as the software allows students to create and manipulate three-dimensional (3D) designs that aid in developing their critical thinking, creativity, problem solving and digital literacy skills (Makers Empire, 2023). With Makers Empire, students can print their creations using a 3D printer which enhances unique creation of innovative design by students and further development of digital literacy skills.
(Makers Empire, 2017)
A great feature of Makers Empire is that it displays curriculum-aligned lesson plans and activities (Makers Empire, 2023). By aligning Makers Empire projects with specific syllabus outcomes, students can engage with the technology in a way that is relevant and meaningful to their learning. This is beneficial for teachers as it allows an informal assessment of students’ knowledge and understanding in specific areas. More information on how to assess using Makers Empire can be found below.
(Makers Empire, 2019)
However, Makers Empire may not be accessible to everyone as it requires a monetary subscription. As well as this, some features require the use of a 3D printer, which may be a barrier to some.
Bower et al. (2018) highlights that the incorporation of 3D technology activities in schools resulted in very high levels of student engagement and increased levels of student confidence. Makers Empire could be integrated into a classroom in a variety of ways including creating replications of significant people or buildings for history or 3D sculptures for visual arts.
Specifically, Makers Empire could be used in a Stage 1 mathematics lesson, to satisfy the outcome MA1-3DS-01 when learning about three-dimensional shapes (NESA, 2022). Incorporating the 'Welcome to 3D' activity, students use design thinking as it enables students a challenge to process and take action to (IDEO, 2012). Thus developing their mindset and skills to be innovative and creative (Wright & Jones, 2018).
My experience in Makers Empire (Source: Zoe Lennon)
References
Bower, M., Stevenson, M., Falloon, G., Forbes, A., & Hatzigianni, M. (2018). Makerspaces in primary school settings: Advancing 21st century and STEM capabilities using 3D design and 3D printing. https://primarymakers.com.
Chai, C. S., Hong, H., Koh, J. H. L., & Wong, B. (2015). Design thinking and education. Springer.
IDEO. (2012). Design thinking for educators. http://designthinkingforeducators.com/
Makers Empire. (2017). Makers Empire: Design Thinking for Schools: Transform K-8 Learning with 3D Printing. Youtube. https://youtu.be/rDI_2ej37XE
Makers Empire. (2018). Introduction to Makers Empire 3D modelling software. Youtube. https://youtu.be/M_u9kpKZXvU
Makers Empire. (2019). Introducing Makers Empire 3D design missions: Assessing student's progress. Youtube. https://youtu.be/zkVnH2h4vvI
Makers Empire. (2023). Makers empire: Homepage. https://www.makersempire.com/
Makers Empire. (2023). Makers empire for teachers and librarians. https://www.makersempire.com/makers-empire-for-teachers/
Mootee, I. (2013). Design thinking for strategic innovation: What they can’t teach you at business or design School. Wiley.
NSW Education Standards Authority [NESA]. (2022). Mathematics K-10 syllabus: Outcomes. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/syllabuses/mathematics-k-10-2022?tab=outcomes
Wright, G. A., & Jones, M. D. (2018). Innovation in the elementary classroom. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 77(5), 8-13.
Hi Zoe!
What a great blog post! I really enjoyed reading through and learning about Makers Empire. I have never used this technology before and am intrigued by how the software supports design-based thinking to create three-dimensional objects.
A significant amount of research was conducted to link the task back to the syllabus. I think more could've been discussed in relation to the issues faced by stage 1 students using the technology as it may become a limitation. Overall, great post, I can see the attention to detail and the amount of research and effort that went into it!
Madeline Hulme 21/03/23
Hi Zoe,
This is a very articulate and clear post! Your page is very aesthetically pleasing as well as easy to navigate. I have really enjoyed the videos and images that has been included as they provide a visual understanding of Makers Empire as well as your thorough explanation. You have very well linked Makers Empire to the syllabus and a creation of a lesson. The way you have highlighted the issue of access to 3D printers has been done well, I would love to hear more issues faced with 3D printing, additionally in relation to stage 1 students. Next time it would be good to include how Makers Empire promotes creativity further, rather than just in creative arts.
Thanks…
What an engaging read! Your blog is very easy to navigate, and is clearly very well researched. I loved that you discussed the barriers of using technology like Makers Empire, as the accessibility can impact the decision to use a piece of technology like this in the classroom.
I really enjoyed that you put direct links to the syllabus outcomes that you could use Makers Empire for. I would've loved to have heard in your words how Makers Empire fosters creativity in students, but overall this was a very informative post regarding Makers Empire.
19/03/2023
Hi Zoe,
I really enjoy reading your blog, especially the pictures and videos in your blog bring more support. Your mention about Makers Empire being able to align with specific syllabus outcomes was really interesting and new to me.
You have given a lot of information about how Makers Empire fits into the classroom, which is very impressive, but could you discuss in more depth how this technology will stimulate students' creativity? And why do you think design thinking is something that students need to have?
Yuanyuan Lv (19/03/2023)