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
The Lippitt-Knoster model emphasizes five key components necessary for successful change:
- Vision: Clear goals to prevent confusion.
- Skills: Developed abilities to avoid anxiety.
- 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.