As I continue my journey to master Fusion 360 and develop a series of lesson plans for teachers, I’ve discovered that this process is much like any other plan—it evolves over time. Along the way, I’ve also been learning how to use Clipchamp, a video editing tool included in the office.com enterprise license from Microsoft. This has been an unexpected but valuable detour in my learning path.
Discovering Clipchamp
One of the most interesting features I’ve learned about Clipchamp is its ability to streamline the process of creating instructional videos. When doing a screen capture, instead of downloading the video section, you can send it directly to the media folder in Clipchamp. This feature saves time and keeps everything organized in one place. Here is the intro video of Lesson one:
Why Clipchamp?
You might be wondering why I’m spending so much time on Clipchamp when my main goal is to learn Fusion 360. The answer is simple: by producing a lesson resource for teachers, I’m not only supporting my colleagues but also deepening my understanding of Fusion 360. Creating these resources requires me to thoroughly understand the software, which in turn enhances my own skills.
The Growing Plan
As with any plan, my approach to learning Fusion 360 and creating lesson plans will grow and adapt over time. Each step I take, whether it’s mastering a new feature in Clipchamp or understanding a complex tool in Fusion 360, brings me closer to my goal. This journey is not just about learning software; it’s about building a comprehensive resource that can benefit others.
In today’s digital age, open education offers unparalleled convenience for gathering and learning information. The vast resources available online make it easier than ever to access knowledge from anywhere in the world. However, when it comes to showcasing your learning journey, the convenience of digital learning can sometimes be overshadowed by the challenges of using multiple platforms.
The Convenience of Digital Learning
The digital world provides a wealth of information at our fingertips. Whether it’s through online courses, tutorials, or forums, learners can easily find resources to enhance their understanding of various subjects. This accessibility is a significant advantage, allowing for flexible learning schedules and the ability to learn at one’s own pace.
Challenges in Showcasing Learning
Despite the convenience, there are times when the process of showcasing what you’ve learned can be fraught with difficulties. This is especially true when using multiple platforms to gather and present information. Successes and challenges are part of life, and achieving goals often requires effort and perseverance.
Personal Challenges and Growth
Over the past few weeks, I’ve encountered several challenges while working on my project to learn and teach Fusion 360. Here are some of the key obstacles I’ve faced:
Understanding Learning Material: While the learning material for Fusion 360 is helpful, I’ve found that I often need to look for additional sources to better understand the concepts. Other sources sometimes explain things more clearly or provide more efficient examples.
Creating How-To Videos: I’m working on creating how-to videos to support other teachers in using Fusion 360. I have a preferred method for creating videos, using apps like Camtasia for its excellent screen recording and editing capabilities. However, I initially planned to use Microsoft Clipchamp for editing and Snip & Sketch for screen capture. This process didn’t work as expected, so I switched to using Clipchamp’s screen recording feature. Unfortunately, the recordings weren’t transferring to the edit screen
Created by Microsoft Copilot
Technical Issues: To top it all off, Fusion 360 needed an update, and my computer froze during the process. After rebooting, I found that my desktop icons were missing. It took three cold reboots and two updates to get everything back to normal.
Created by Microsoft Copilot
Despite these challenges, I’ve grown in patience and resilience. I’m hopeful that in part two of this blog post, I’ll be able to share more about my actual progress in learning and teaching Fusion 360 to staff and students.
The debate over cell phone use in Saskatchewan’s classrooms has been heating up for some time now, and it went to new level especially due to the new provincial measures that was implemented the start of this 2024-25 school year.
This policy aims to reduce distractions and improve student engagement, but opinions are divided among teachers, parents, and students. It is now January 2025 and let’s look back and see if the new policy has made any impact as it was intended to do.
Pros of Allowing Cell Phones in Classrooms
Parents would say that one of the main advantages for allowing cell phones in classrooms is for them to reach their children in case of emergencies, and students can use their phones to coordinate transportation or other logistics. For the record let’s agree to remove this from the list of Pros. If it is an emergency, you don’t want a student to take a call in a classroom setting. It is better for an adult to go to the classroom and remove the student tactfully to keep their situation private. The student then has an adult ready to support them if it is truly and emergency.
As an Ed Tech Facilitator I have found that cell phones can be valuable educational tools. They provide instant access to information, enabling students to conduct research and verify facts quickly. I had EAL Students in the past use their device to help with translation. One example a teacher would present their lesson using a PowerPoint format in Microsoft 365. The teacher was then able to activate the “Present Live” option. When the PowerPoint would be presented it would give a QR CODE on the screen. The EAL Students would simply have to scan the QR Code and set their preferred language. That way while the teacher was speaking during the lesson, their voice would be transcribed into that student first language. Now that we have no cell phone. We must try to access other tools such as iPads. The result is that we don’t have enough hardware to meet the demand.
Cons of Allowing Cell Phones in Classrooms
On the flip side, cell phones can be significant distractions. Many teachers report that students often use their phones for non-educational purposes, such as texting friends or browsing social media, which disrupts the learning environment. As a parent I have a son that would use the cellphone in the classroom when he was in high school and for me, I think it was a distraction. So as a teacher and parent I don’t think it is always a good thing to have in the classroom. Students can’t be given a digital tool and be expected to use it appropriately. It is essential that we teach them prior to the use of the device such as a cell phone.
I was a counsellor in a High School for a lot of years. I remember students that would get hundreds of texts and notifications prior to the school day. I don’t know how that can be done but I saw this with my own eyes. What I saw in those situations were students that would come to school not ready to learn because of the constant barrage of notifications and texts that they were receiving. So, if you want to make an argument about cell phone in schools that is easily made. However, a believe firmly that a discussion regarding cell phone outside of educational environments should equally be made. The developmental implications on children and youth are profound due to digital connectivity.
Parents are more divided. While many appreciate the safety and communication benefits, they also recognize the potential for distraction and misuse. I am going out on a limb here, but I would say that parents are so busy that they want the teacher’s simply to deal with the cell phone issue at school. Students, on the other hand, often feel that having their phones is essential for staying connected and managing their daily lives. In our discussion last week, it was discussed how different generations have different perspectives on how technology should be used. For example, the graduate students surveyed had different response they leaned towards more productivity software vs undergraduate students. The undergrads saw technology more of a connectivity issue.
Balancing Technology and Education
The challenge lies in finding a balance between leveraging technology for educational purposes and minimizing its potential drawbacks. Some experts suggest that instead of outright bans, schools should develop policies that allow controlled use of cell phones for specific instructional purposes. This approach could help maintain classroom focus while still providing the benefits of modern technology. I think we need to keep in mind the “End Game” pertaining to cell phone use. Eventually, all students will be independent and if we don’t teach them proper use now what will happen if we don’t do anything.
Conclusion
The cell phone debate in Saskatchewan’s schools is far from settled. While the new provincial measures aim to create a more focused learning environment, the opinions of teachers, parents, and students highlight the complexity of the issue. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to integrating it into education. Finding the right balance will be key to ensuring that students can benefit from the advantages of cell phones without being overwhelmed by their potential distractions.
Sketching: Learn and practice basic sketching tools.
Modeling: Begin exploring simple 3D modeling techniques.
Resources: Highlight useful tutorials and resources.
Resources: Video Resources
Explore the Fusion user interface
How to learn how to draw a 2d shape in Fusion 360 and convert to 3d image.
Observations:
Data Panel gives access to your team’s projects designs, manage design data, and collaborate with others.
What is interesting is that you is you can access samples in the library, upload, save and even 3d print and so much more. Below is a screen shot
The Notification Center and Help menu provide valuable tips and resources. Quick Setup allows for swift configuration of units and navigation settings. One thing I learned was from another video on Fusion that I found on Youtube. It provided a really helpful tip to set your was to set your “Free Orbit” Setting to a “Constrained Orbit” setting. By changing the preference setting it simplifies your view and are able manipulate it a little easier in my opinion.
Profile lets you manage your account and preferences. Tooltips help you understand commands betters, I would also recommend the video link above for it talks specifically on the shortcut keystrokes that provides another way to use the program. Fusion’s workspaces, such as Design, Generative Design, Render, Animation, Simulation, Manufacture, and Drawing, are tailored to specific tasks, making it easier to create and edit models, generate design solutions, create photorealistic images, animations, simulations, toolpaths, and document specifications. As mentioned before this is a robust program and we are focusing on design, generative design and drawing skills for now. This program is like onion, for there are many different layers to it.
The toolbar is organized into tabs and panels, with contextual tabs becoming active based on the command selected. The View Cube and Navigation bar offer intuitive navigation and view control. That said the navigation bar does have a learning curve. I find when you first use the menu bar you have to look at other online sources to identify where to access a specific command. Overall, I am excited to learn Fusion 360 EDU intuitive and to discover the programs capabilities. That said I have to admit I think I took on a pretty extensive challenge.
So just for now my goal is to create a lesson plan for students to build cardboard connectors. They will need to learn how to draw it in a 2d perspective. Then they will need to now how to convert it in a 3d shape.
Additional Future learning activities will be creating cardboard connectors and incorporating angles and then multiple lines (Cartesian Plane).
Final Thought
Manipulating the tools in Fusion 360 is not as easy as using other basic programs such as Tinkercad. It is taking some time to really get good at designing something and making a video that is concise that Teacher’s can use as a future resource.
Overview: Introduce the Fusion 360 EDU Program and its relevance to your EC&I 831 class.
Setup: Describe the process of downloading and installing Fusion 360.
First Impressions: Share your initial thoughts on the software interface and features.
Getting registered to use the Fusion 360 EDU version was quite a frustrating process. Unlike simply clicking a button to access the program, I had to connect with Autodesk, the platform that provides access to multiple tools, including Fusion 360. This involved sending in proof of employment documentation and waiting for approval. Once approved, I was granted access and became the school division administrator for the program. This role allows me to provide access to up to 250 staff and students, which will be incredibly useful as I roll out the program from grades 7 to 12.
In today’s digital age, the ability to learn and share knowledge online has become more accessible than ever. For my EC&I 831 class, I have chosen to learn the Fusion 360 EDU Program, a complex and valuable skill that aligns perfectly with the course’s criteria. Here’s why this learning journey is significant for me:
Complexity
Fusion 360 is a sophisticated design and engineering software that requires more than just a few hours to master. Its complexity makes it a worthwhile endeavor, as it offers a comprehensive suite of tools for 3D modeling and simulation.. By learning Fusion 360, I am not only gaining a valuable skill but also enhancing my ability to tackle complex design challenges which can be applied to support teachers and students in our school division.
Personal Interest
As someone passionate about CAD, Fusion 360 is of great interest to me. The ability to create and test designs in a virtual environment opens up endless possibilities for innovation and creativity. I feel that due to ever increasing costs in education. The more you can create virtually the better. This will ensure that less waist occurs to finite resources. This will keep me motivated and engaged throughout the learning process, for I see how I can support others within the school division. What “fills my bucket” is that I want to be a service to teachers and students.
Online Resources
To guide my project, I will leverage a variety of online resources, including especially online communities, videos, text resources, and podcasts. These resources will provide diverse perspectives and techniques, enriching my learning experience. Additionally, I will seek out resources from Autodesk with their assigned learning community called “Fusion Hub”. I will also from the computer group I teach on the weekend. I have students that have experience using Fusion 360 EDU. So, I will also collaborate with students and peers as much as possible. This combination of online and local resources will ensure a well-rounded and comprehensive learning journey.
Time Commitment
I am prepared to dedicate approximately 30 hours to this project, as recommended. This time commitment will allow me to delve deeply into the software, practice regularly, and document my progress consistently. By investing this time, I will be able to achieve a significant level of proficiency in Fusion 360. I have schedule times when I will be working on Fusion 360 and will look at opportunity to refine my skills by looking for opportunities where I can construct items to support learning by developing 3d print resources.
Process-Oriented Learning
This project is largely process-oriented, focusing on regular and consistent documentation of my learning journey. I will include before and after write ups in the form of weekly blog posts with images and videos. I foresee creating how to videos in particular which will complement a lesson plan and learning resources. Last but now least I will as provide a write up each week on how the learning process is coming along. This documentation will not only demonstrate my progress but also serve as a valuable resource for others who wish to learn Fusion 360.
Role as School Division Administrator
As the school division administrator for the Fusion 360 EDU Program, I have the responsibility to provide access to up to 250 staff and students. Learning Fusion 360 thoroughly will enable me to support and guide others effectively as they embark on their own learning journeys. This will be particularly useful as I roll out the program from grades 7 to 12, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity within the school division.
By learning Fusion 360 and sharing my progress openly, I am not only enhancing my own skills but also contributing to a broader community of learners. This project will demonstrate my ability to use technology to support and document learning, and it will showcase the power of online resources in achieving alignment with Saskatchewan learning outcomes.
Social media has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives, influencing how we connect, learn, and share. Reflecting on my journey with social media, I see how it aligns with generational trends, even though I strive to avoid stereotypes. As a member of Generation X, my experiences with social media have evolved significantly over the years.
My social media journey began with Facebook. As a Generation Xer, I was drawn to Facebook for its ability to reconnect with old friends, share life updates, and stay in touch with family. Facebook became a digital scrapbook of sorts, where I could post photos, share milestones, and engage in meaningful conversations. What changed for me is when I became a father. I briefly started posting pictures of my children on Facebook. Not exceptionally long after I realized that it may not be a good idea. For some reason I was concerned about my children’s privacy, and they were not yet given a say. So, this impacted my use of social media as an editor and producer to a viewer.
Professional Networking: LinkedIn
As my career progressed, LinkedIn emerged as an essential platform for professional networking. It allowed me to connect with colleagues, highlight my skills, and explore new career opportunities. LinkedIn became a valuable tool for building my professional brand and staying updated on industry trends. In my later career I have found less of a need for networking. Also, I am now thinking about my own privacy. What information do I want to have online? For that reason, I now network more through use of other platforms such Microsoft Teams and Zoom Meetings. I also participate on platforms that are for certain groups like the Edsby Enthusiasts Portal. The result is that I network at a smaller level with the groups I want to engage with. I do not just put things out to the world.
Learning and DIY: YouTube
YouTube has been a momentous change for me, especially when it comes to home repair and construction tutorials. The platform’s vast library of instructional videos has empowered me to tackle various DIY projects with confidence. From fixing a leaky faucet to siding a house, YouTube has been my go-to resource for practical knowledge. I even use it in my work. I am always looking for solutions and searching for innovative ideas. Again, I know that I am dating myself, but hard habits are hard to break when they serve a positive purpose.
Graduate Studies and Twitter
In recent years, as I embarked on graduate studies, I found myself using Twitter (now known as X) more frequently. Twitter became a platform for academic engagement, where I could follow thought leaders, participate in discussions, and stay informed about the latest research and trends in my field. Since it changed to X, I have stopped using it because I do not want to pay for the service.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic of 2020 had a profound impact on my relationship with social media. With an influx of information and opinions flooding social media platforms, I realized the importance of managing my consumption. Excessive social media use led to increased anxiety, reduced open-mindedness, and a general sense of overwhelm. This experience taught me the value of moderation and mindfulness in my social media habits. I will throughout the year do a digital detoxification. This happens, especially in the summer. That is a time when I put the device down and reconnect and become intune with the environment around me.
A Shift Towards Enterprise Platforms
Since the pandemic, I have become more selective about the platforms I use. I now prefer platforms under the enterprise banner, such as Google and Microsoft, for their focus on productivity and professional communication. These platforms offer a more controlled and secure environment for sharing and collaboration. Working in the school division we have worked on 3rd party online usage guidelines for the school division. That experience has taught me that nothing is free. If you buy an app then the app is the product. If you do not buy the app then YOU are the product. That is a huge mindset change for me.
Navigating Social Media with Caution
Building from my last point about the growing expectations from employers regarding social media use. I have become more cautious about how I consume and share content. It is essential to be mindful of the messages we put out and the impact they can have on our personal and professional lives. By monitoring my social media activity and being intentional about my online presence, I strive to maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with social media.
My journey with social media reflects the broader trends of Generation X and my professional life. While highlighting the unique ways these platforms have shaped my life. From reconnecting with friends on Facebook to learning new skills on YouTube, each platform has played a significant role in my digital experience. As I continue to navigate the ever-evolving social media landscape, I remain mindful of the impact it has on my well-being and professional life.
When it comes to the face pace change world of social media, I have taken the approach “slow and steady always wins the race.”
As an Educational Facilitator in our school division, my primary role is to collaborate with teachers to integrate educational technology into their instructional practices, aligning with Saskatchewan Curriculum Outcomes. The ultimate goal is to foster student learning and inspire them to become lifelong learners. To achieve this, I employ the Lippitt-Knoster Complex Change Management Model, a framework I discovered during my first Master’s program in Education. This model has proven invaluable in identifying and addressing the restraining forces that often hinder the successful implementation of educational initiatives for both the student, teacher and educational system.
The Lippitt-Knoster Complex Change Management Model
Incentives: Participant input to reduce resistance.
Resources: Adequate materials to prevent frustration.
Action Plan: Detailed steps to avoid false starts.
By addressing these components, we can better support teachers and students in achieving desired outcomes.
I have chosen a topic that I am very passionate. I want to provide teachers and students learning opportunities that will hopefully will ignite their creativity. For that reason I have chosen the Fusion 360 EDU Program.
What is the Fusion 360 EDU Program?
The Fusion 360 EDU program, is a comprehensive tutorial series designed to enhance my skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). This program will enable me to create and repair resources for the classroom, ultimately benefiting both teachers and students.
Practical Applications in the Classroom
One of the challenges we often face is the lack of resources to implement pedagogical strategies effectively. For instance, when students are tasked with creating projects using paper and pencial all the way to using a CAD program like Tinkercad or Fusion 260 EDU and creating something from concept to something tangible. I believe with the use of 3d printing we can do such a thing. I also believe that we can apply a constructivism pedagogical model.
The greatest resource in our schools is not the brick and mortar. It is not even the equipment inside the schools. I believe that the greatest resource are the people in those buildings. If we can inspire student learning and support teachers to maximize finite resources by being innovative on how we manage and support each other. I have no doubt that we can meet the challenges of the future in education. It will take hardwork, strategic planning and creativity. One small example would be regarding Redcat FM systems. These systems are in schools everywhere. The problem is many of them are not being used due to small obstacles which results in a resource like a microphone sitting unused in a teacher’s desk drawer because of a broken clip that connects to a lanyard or a garment of clothing. By 3D printing a replacement clip, we can reintegrate this essential tool back into the classroom, supporting students who rely on it. Essentially a part that costs less the a quarter to make with a 3d printer was able to support and SLP to return an expensive FM System back to the classroom. Now this is a win win situation for the teacher, student and the school division.
Supporting Teachers with Fusion 360
By mastering Fusion 360, I can assist teachers in several ways:
Phase 1 Goal:
CAD Program Instruction: Helping teachers introduce students to CAD programs.
Phase 2 Goal:
CAM Program Instruction: Supporting teachers in teaching students about CAM programs and CNC machines.
Ongoing Goal
Resource Creation and Repair: Designing and producing classroom resources and repairing equipment to maximize their use.
Developing a CAD Survey Course
“”If you really want to master something, teach it”
by Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist
For deep learning to occur regarding the Fusion 360 EDU I am going to create lesson plans.
By creating lessons I will achieve two milestones I will develop a plan to support teacher skill development pertaining to CAD and lastly, we can introduce skills to students to promote engagement and creativity through the development of CAD skills. These lessons will include detailed plans and the necessary resources, providing teachers with a comprehensive toolkit to support their instructional practices.
