I work as a programs librarian in a regional public library and was recently asked to run a session on 3D modelling, which is a skill I had considered learning in the past but I had been hesitant as I didn’t think I had the appropriate technical knowledge to grasp even the basics. However, due to the inescapability of technology in modern society, it’s important for libraries to provide our users with access to tech resources which allow them to create and innovate (Australian Library and Information Association, 2021, p. 60) so I decided to take the plunge.
In order to learn the basics of 3D modelling, I decided the
best way to learn was via hands on experience. Tinkercad is a free online resource
which doesn’t require prior experience with programming and primarily uses drag
and drop techniques to group pre-formed shapes together to create a 3D model (Horvath & Cameron, 2018, Chapter 6 '3D Models', Tinkercad: Drag and
Drop section, para. 1). Despite my previous hesitance, I did find
Tinkercad easier than anticipated to use.
I experimented with the software and created a basic
mushroom design (Image 1) but wanted to try something more complex. I completed
the tutorials available on Tinkercad and while these cover basics of moving the
shapes around, they do not cover more sophisticated designs. I then turned to
some YouTube tutorials that I could follow along with to create something that merged
many shapes together. Following two tutorials, I modelled an egg cup (Image 2) as
designed by RedRockingBird (2023) and a teddy bear (Image 3) as designed by 1DAY_1CAD:Tinkercad3DDesign (2021).
The gaps in my knowledge are many since I have learned only
very basic skills, however, I know enough to lead a beginners workshop for
young people. I am also aware that
Tinkercad requires children to have a parent or guardian sign a physical form
agreeing to Tinkercad’s terms and conditions. Teachers can do this on behalf of
students, which I believe is a quicker process as the parental permission form
takes several days for Tinkercad to approve. I will need to ascertain whether
that’s an option for librarians and put that in place before running a program,
or devise a way around this that enables Tinkercad account set up in advance
for participants.
After completed this activity, I still felt concerned about
not being particularly knowledgeable about 3D modelling, however, research into
the topic of STEAM programs in libraries turned up an article by Mitchell et al. (2020, p. 8) referencing the ‘guide on the
side’ concept, wherein the best way to elicit learning is by allowing the
learners to experiment and work with their peers to find solutions, since it
isn’t possible for librarians to know everything about every subject. In fact,
with technologies changing and advancing constantly, it is becoming more
important than ever to continue to build skills in problem solving, critical
thinking, flexibility, self direction and teamwork (Jacobs, 2018, p. 70), which is exactly what we do when we step back
and allow children to take the lead in their own learning.
References
1DAY_1CAD:Tinkercad3DDesign.
(2021, May 17). [1DAY_1CAD] BEAR DOLL
(Tinkercad : know-how / style / education). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs2h1acNG38&ab_channel=1DAY_1CAD%3ATinkercad3DDesign
Australian Library
and Information Association, A. P. L. A. (2021). APLA-ALIA standards and
guidelines for Australian public libraries, May 2021. In. Deakin, ACT:
Australian Library and Information Association.
Horvath, J., &
Cameron, R. (2018). Mastering 3D printing
in the classroom, library, and lab (1st 2018. ed.). Apress. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-3501-0
Jacobs, B. R.
(2018). Transforming your library into a
learning playground : a practical guide for public librarians. Libraries
Unlimited, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Mitchell, B.,
Ratcliffe, C., & LaConte, K. (2020). STEAM learning in public libraries: a
“guide on the side” approach for inclusive learning. Children & Libraries, 18(3),
7-10. https://doi.org/10.5860/cal.18.3.7
RedRockingBird. (2023, January 21). TINKERCAD for beginners - simple basic tutorial tinker cad [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukgH_tLoQNg&ab_channel=RedRockingBird
Tinkercad. https://www.tinkercad.com/
