Design can relate to two different aspects, the planning and outlining solutions or to the final composition that is produced. Design-Based Thinking looks at the process where a problem is identified, then creative critical thinking allows the individual to change the problem into one that is preferred. By utilising Design-Based thinking in a classroom the student examines different stages of the design process from identifying an issue to creating a product that could resolve the issue (Greenhagh, 2016). The 3D printer has allowed students to experience the design process from concept to completion and once they have completed their design, they can produce a physical object that they can hold in their hands (Peterson, 2015).
3D printing has allowed students to test designs and then they also can modify the design by just changing the design in the program instead of having to build the design from scratch again which can lead to variation in design that could affect the results (Peterson, 2015).
3D printing as a technology that can foster creativity in design-based thinking using programs that allow students to design objects. Programs can utilize geometric shapes to designs 3D models like TinkerCAD and SketchUp or programs that allow for organic shapes to design 3D models to create these programs include sculptris and meshmixer (Mehrotra, 2019).
A Connectivist Approach to implementing 3D printing to foster creativity through Design-Based thinking is for Students to design a 3D object in groups and allow the students to use the diverse knowledge of their other peers to ensure a unique object is created.
A Constructionist learning approach will use the process of designing an object and testing it, then modifying it through creating the real object to foster creativity.
Nevertheless, 3D printing does have limitations in the classroom; these can include the constraints of the printer itself, some schools will not have access to materials that the students’ needs for their product too successfully work as well as having limitations in the colours that students can use. 3D printing also can be challenging for students, by using a program that design 3D objects it can be challenging and be difficult for students or even teachers to learn how to effectively use the program and therefore it can be time-consuming and limits the student’s ability to foster creativity in the project (Mehrotra, 2019; Hod, 2012).
Overall 3D printing has allowed for students to foster creativity as it bridges the gap between ideas and the physical world (Greenhagh, 2016).
References
Greenhagh, S. (2016). The effects of 3D printing in design thinking and design education. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 14(4), 752-769.
Hod, L. (2012, October). Design in the age of 3-D Printing. Mechanical Engineering; New York, 134(10), 30-35. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1095775929/fulltext/17DAE9D6C95A4AEDPQ/1?accountid=12219
Mehrotra, P. (2019, August 07). 7 Best 3D Printing Software for Beginners in 2019. Retrieved from Guiding Tech: https://www.guidingtech.com/best-3d-printing-software-beginners-2019/
Peterson, T. (2015, January 13). 3D Printing in the Classroom Adds a New Dimension to Education. Retrieved from Ed Tech Magazine: https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2015/01/3d-printers-add-new-dimension-classrooms
EDUC3620 Digital Creativity and Learning ePortfolio 
Hi Georgina,
I loved how you discussed that 3D printing and online tools like Sketchup can be used easily in a classroom setting. I feel that design-based learning is something that could and should be implemented more often in education. I like that you were able to connect design-based thinking to constructionist pedagogy, but I’ve never heard of and am not sure about the ‘Connectionist approach’. I would love it if you could give us more detail on what that entails.
Thanks,
Courtney
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Hello Georgina,
I enjoyed reading your post on design based thinking and the use of 3D printing technology. In particular, I enjoyed reading your discussions of the limitations of the 3D printer within actual schools. I’ve never heard of the ‘Connectionist approach’ to foster creativity, but I will do some more research.
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