Tuesday, July 14, 2015

C4Ta#4

C4Ta#4 Post 1
Vicki Davis Headshot

Summary of Post #1: In Vicki Davis' Edutopia blog post, she writes 17 helpful tips for using a 3D printer. She writes them out to save time for others, while she figured it out the hard way with her own 3D printer named Bob Marley. The list goes as:

1. Find a video about loading the filament properly. Written instructions were a no go.
2. Make sure the feeder tube is long enough. If the white tube that takes the filament from the spool in the back to the nozzle is too short, it will pull the nozzle off and stop the print job.
3. Call the manufacturer if you need help. Don't wait. New problems arise all the time with these printers, the sooner you call, the better.
4. Keep fingers away from the inside of the printer. It is hot! Do not touch. Wait until it cools off, and then try to scrape away with a scraper instead of your bare hands.
5. A curiosity cabinet keeps hands and fingers away from the printer. Kids are curious, so keep a basket in plain view for easy access to share.
6. Play with resolution. There are three kinds of quality settings on 3D printers.

    • Layer Resolution
    • Fill Density
    • Wall Thickness
7. Always attend the printer. Printing overnight is not a good idea, do it during the school day and stay nearby.
8.  Order Filament in a variety of colors. Print one color at a time and then change the spool to a different color.
9. Combine the smaller parts of a print job. Have students combine the smaller items into one print job.
10. Organize your printing. You ultimately have four big decisions to organizing.

    • How will students submit their work?
    • How will you approve work or give feedback?
    • How will students revise work?
    • How will you organize your print jobs effectively
11. Invest in two nozzles. Gives you easy access to switch it out while printing if the first one jams.
12. Let students work in teams. Even though they want to individually take things home, 3D printers take a while. So it's easier to print in teams of 3 or 4.
13. Start with pre made items. Students chose items with moving parts on Thingiverse. Then, they took smaller parts and combined them. If too big, it can be downsized and they will do some math along with it.
14. Use boxes to keep work organized. Have labeled boxes so work doesn't "walk away."
15. Let students use software that is comfortable for them. Let students compare and find one that is easier for them to use, personally. Most 3D printers can import any .STL file.
16. Plan longer-term projects. Students must learn to take turns.
17. Learn together! 3D printers are still new, so learn it together.

C4Ta#4 Comment

Comment #1 on Post 1: Hi Vicki! Although I am not a teacher yet, or have any experience with 3D printers, I really enjoyed reading about them in your post. When I become a teacher and I start working with 3D printers, I will be sure to look back at this post to get me through, step-by-step. Thank you!

C4Ta#4 Post 2

Summary made on Post #2: In Vicki Davis' post on Cool Cat Teacher, she writes on "How Iron Chef Lessons Make Cooperative Learning Awesome." Specifically, Jon Corippo shares his remix of jigsaw cooperative learning methods with Vicki. Vicki shares his important takeaways for listeners:

  • First, Jon opens with methods that bore students, that many teachers often use.
  • Jon critiqued the traditional jigsaw puzzle method.
  • "The "secret ingredient" idea can help you link together the presentation."
  • Jon gave examples in all subjects with Iron Chef lesson plans
  • "How do you fully engage students who work quickly?"
  • "How can you grade easily?"
  • "How do you supercharge peer feedback?"
  • "How can you use this to help kids appreciate each other's strengths?"
  • "What are other ways teachers get students excited about learning?"
  • "How can you incorporate formative assessment?"
  • "How to make the top 20 grammar errors exciting with Iron Chef lesson design."
It mentions that Iron Chef is out there for anyone using cooperative learn, Google Apps, or Chromebooks for Education. Vicki then lists more free resources that Jon advises, such as Google Presentations, the research tool in Google Apps, and Iron Chef Lesson Design Website. There are also posts of what teachers have said about Iron Chef Lesson and also a link to join the conversation about it on Twitter and Facebook. Vicki ends with one of Jon's quotes: "Teaching should take you up to something." 

C4Ta#4 Comment

Comment #2 on Post 2: I feel this is a very important video because Jon made very conscious points. I'm glad you have posted in many of your networks, especially on Twitter and Facebook, to make it more accessible. For those not able to watch the video, the points listed go right along with it. I enjoyed it! Thank you!

Corippo Quote


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