Design thinking uses knowledge and practices to find solutions (Koh et al., 2015). There are various models of design thinking, image 1 shows IDEO (2013)'s model on the design process that puts design thinking in action. As seen in image 1, there are five phases of design thinking, from discovering a challenge to using knowledge, then practice to solve and evolve it.
In education, design thinking is implemented with design-based learning. It focuses on authenticity, and it is open-ended (Henze & Vries, 2021).
SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modelling software that implements design-based learning. It has various interconnecting tools that allow users to design 3D model sketches.
How can SketchUp be used in the classroom?
As shown in NSW Education Standards Authority (2023), students in Stage 2 and Stage 3 learn about 2D and 3D spatial structure. SketchUp can be used for these students. For example, a teacher could instruct students to draw a 2D image of their ideal house, then challenge students to create it in 3D with SketchUp.
SketchUp fosters design thinking. As mentioned in image 1, design thinking includes five phases, one which is experimentation. SketchUp is an example of using technology to foster this experimentation phase. Students would use SketchUp to make 3D prototypes of their 2D house drawing.
SketchUp also enhances creativity. Creativity can be fostered through technology in a creative cognition mode, meaning students discover and develop something new using electronics (Wheeler et al., 2002). This means that by using SketchUp to create a 3D model of their 2D house drawing, students develop something new using electronic, which enhances their creativity.
Limitations
Digital-based learning is based on a social constructivism learning theory, meaning that students are not empty vessels for us to fill (Henze & Vries, 2021). So, digital-based learning tools like SketchUp require prior knowledge to fully utilise it, and students do not all have same prior knowledge. Therefore, some students who do not have adequate prior knowledge will get left behind in learning and fostering creativity while using SketchUp.
Reference List
Henze, I., & Vries, M. J. (2021). Design-based concept learning in science and technology education. Brill Sense.
Koh, J. H. L., Chai, C. S., Wong, B., & Hong, H. Y. (2015). Design thinking for education. Springer. DOI 10.1007/978-981-287-444-3
IDEO. (2013). Design thinking for educations. https://www.ideo.com/post/design-thinking-for-educators
Wheeler, S., Waite, S. J., & Bromfield, C. (2002). Promoting creative thinking through the use of ICT. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 18(3), 367-378. DOI: 10.1046/j.0266-4909.2002.00247.x
NSW Education Standards Authority. (2023). MathematicsK-10 syllabus. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/learning-areas/mathematics/mathematics-k-10-2022
Hi Alicia,
Your blog was really great to read, I loved the structure and flow of it all. It was also very insightful and great at explaining how Sketchup can foster creativity in students. I found your example about shapes great. However, I feel like your example could be better enhanced through using direct syllabus outcomes to back it up. Your limitations could also be better explained as well as giving more than one limitation.
Jana Khaled (12/04/23)
Insightful analysis on the technology in creative learning Alicia! Indeed, using technology to envision ones’ ideas in new formats is a way to demonstrate creativity as it allows students to meet the Australian Curriculum’s requirement for creative thinking by seeing “existing situations in new ways” (source: ACARA. (2022). Understand this general capability: critical and creative thinking. Australian Curriculum Version 9.0. https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au/teacher-resources/understand-this-general-capability/critical-and-creative-thinking).
Though the blog post content is excellent, your current way of structuring the post makes it confusing as to what its main content is: the design thinking process is mentioned in great detail, but I have not noticed any arguments on why design thinking supports creativity in learning, instead there is evidence for how SketchUp supports creativity. It is…
Hi Alicia,
Nice layout! Made your blog really easy to follow. I love the photo of the lighthouse you created using Sketchup.
Great explanation of the implication of Sketchup in classrooms, and a clear introduction to design thinking. However, why is design thinking important? and how do you think build-up design thinking can help students foster their creativity?
Yuanyuan Lv 19/03/2023