In week 3, we discussed how to implement design thinking into lesson plans. Design thinking (DT) is the process of solving challenging problems in a creative yet successful manner by creating effective solutions that address the needs of the problem (Koh et al., 2015).
According to Design thinking for educators (2012) the 5 stages of design thinking consist of discovery, interpretation, ideation, experimentation and evolution. The discovery stage allows designers and students to gather all relevant data and plan solutions to address the challenge/problem faced. The interpretation stage requires students to put together their knowledge and understanding from the first stage in order to identify themes/opportunities that help with forming solutions to the problem. The ideation stage refers to generating ideas which address the challenges and opportunities identified in stage 2. The experimentation stage requires creating tangible prototypes that address the problem that is eventually challenged and evolved in stage 5. Design thinking is based off a constructivist approach as it focuses on problem solving.
SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modelling application that allows individuals to create 3D objects and landscapes. The application fosters student creativity and design thinking as it allows them to bring them their imagination to reality using a range of textures, colours, sizes, materials and shapes.
SketchUp is an excellent software that addresses stage 3- space and geometry syllabus outcome MA3-14MG which requires students to identify, sketch and construct 3D objects (NSW Education Standards Authority 2023). Students can learn about 2D & 3D shapes and their properties through creating personal sketches. Teachers can foster students creative design thinking by allowing a group of students to collaboratively design a 2D sketch of a building/house and them transform their design into a 3D model using SketchUp.
Design thinking promotes student's 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration and critical thinking. (Rusmann & Ejsing-Duun, 2021). These skills are reflected in the 5 phases of design thinking and can be enhanced through SketchUp. SketchUp is an opportunity to expose students to learning situations that encourage and value critical reflection, and support design thinking that enables them to identify and find solutions to potential technological advancements (Wells, 2013).
personal sketches + 3D house created with UketchUp
3D prints created with sketchup
SketchUp enhances digital creativity however it also limits it to an extent. The software is free however schools need to pay to access to all of its features hence, it is costly. Sketch-up requires lots of expertise and resources in order for students to benefit from it. Also, students may focus on the aesthetics of the 3D model rather than how it functions thus, reducing their DT skills.
References
IDEO (2012). Design Thinking for Educators (2nd Edition).
Koh, J. H. L., Chai, C. S., Wong, B., & Hong, H. (2015). Design Thinking for Education:
Conceptions and Applications in Teaching and Learning. Springer.
NSW Education Standards Authority. (2023). MathematicsK-10 syllabus.
Rusmann, A., & Ejsing-Duun, S. (2022). When design thinking goes to school: A literature
review of design competences for the K-12 level. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 32(4), 2063–2091. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-021-09692-4
Wells, A. (2013). The importance of design thinking for technological literacy: a
phenomenological perspective. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 23(3), 623–636. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-012-9207-7
Thank you Aya for sharing your perspective on Design-based learning and how Sketchup can be used to assist with this.
I really like how you give concrete examples of how it can be implemented into a stage 3 lesson and how it builds 21st century skills. I think these are super important, especially since our work environment is essentially guaranteed to change increasingly faster over time.
Overall I think it's a really nice blog and I am struggling to find something that needs to be changed, maybe a quick summary at the end, but that's me being picky :) Great work! I look forward to reading your future blogs as well!
Pia Malmberg (09/04/23)