The opportunity to become a “Maker” seems to have captured the attention of many educators. Learning by making is assumed to offer more authentic experiences and technology is argued to allow many more individuals of all ages to have such opportunities.
I think I happen to know one of the more unique “makers”. One of my colleagues, Dr. Miller, is interested in how to assess the aptitude of individuals with visual impairments. A traditional intelligence test is not practical. Dr. Miller evaluates methods of assessing cognitive abilities based on the ability to determine the patterns in physical objects that can be explored by touch. I think of it as something like Raven’s Progressive Matrices, but I am not certain if Dr. Miller would describe his approach in a similar way.
The challenge for Joe (Dr. Miller) has been how to create the various objects he uses in his research. Enter the 3-D printer. Now, as he learns more about how to create 3-D shapes, he can develop his sample materials.
Here is one story related to Joe’s learning curve with this equipment that I find amusing. Files for several sample objects came with the equipment – e.g., a nut and bolt. I walked into the room where Joe was exploring the capabilities of his new printer and found him “printing” several pocket combs. If it is not apparent why this struck me as funny, you might take another look at Joe and his machine.