New repository for 3D printed tactiles
Benetech Matt Nupen
Joan Horvath
Benetech Matt Nupen
One of our big additions will be the ability for other users to contribute descriptions and other relevant information for specific uses (grade level, subject area, etc.). This will allow one user to contribute a tactile with specific instructions aimed at a grade level and then another user add additional, but separate instructions for different use cases.
We're also adding a rubric based review/comment system designed to give users and contributors specific and actionable feedback on the resource in addition to the ability to contribute to the resource itself.
Joan Horvath
Jessica McDowell
Hi Matt and Joan,
Great discussion! I am a TVI who has been able to get a few printed models to a student to use in class when a 3D print was the best solution for access. Two things that have made this possible…
- Access to a printer and staff who have put in the time needed to learn the software and hardware. I can just email them a file and they start a print for me (we have a county Special Education Tech Resource Center largely funded by grants)
- Personal interest in exploring options in 3D printing. I tinkered a bit on a couple designs but that was basically an after-work pursuit (no time for that with full caseload).
So access to a printer, knowledgeable staff, and time are three critical factors to local 3D printing even getting off the ground. I basically think acquiring 3D models could be compared to obtaining braille materials. As a TVI, I can produce braille materials, but I do not have the qualifications of a transcriber. With a full caseload, I do not have time to spend making braille materials - I fill in where needed but transcribers and paraprofessionals do the bulk of materials. For 3D printing, I may need models so my student has access to his or her curriculum, I can print something out and maybe make modest adjustments to a file, but I cannot design from scratch or trouble shoot hardware and print issues.
Matt’s Q: I would like this group's feedback as we build out the platform, including a focus on 3D printing tactiles.
What suggestions do you have for helping educators get started with tactiles?
A: I love the idea of a Bookshare-like Imageshare! I think creating community and the infrastructure are key. Seems like there are two paths - local printing and somehow ordering/sharing models. Teachers may need to be resourceful if there is not a printer and staff to run it available. They may need to seek out maker spaces or high school tech classes to establish a relationship.
Joan’s Q: How can you guys leverage what is out there, without duplicating a lot of effort? You could try curating stuff that is out there on the big databases, too, because not everything that is posted will print well (or at all) or might not be conceptually right, and maybe making those descriptions.
A: A curated database would be excellent. I have wasted time on prints from general sites only to realize model doesn’t really work. What is also needed IN A BIG WAY is a database that links to the curriculum. Bookshare gives us access to materials used in class.
I have made models of visual tools used in my student’s math curriculum (Bridges by The Math Learning Center). The publishers of the curriculum do not have resources for tactually accessible graphics and manipulatives (e.g., I printed a 0-5 tactile die for a math game, the curriculum comes with visual 0-5 die). What if there was a database of the swell/embosser images and 3D prints that went with curriculum? I could start printing what is needed next year for 3rd grade now! There are thousands of schools using this curriculum, I am likely not the only teacher trying to solve how my student accesses this curriculum.
Matt’s Comment: Yes, Imageshare will be a registry as well so users can link out to existing resources and add additional information such as teaching/printing notes, descriptions, and related resources.
One of our big additions will be the ability for other users to contribute descriptions and other relevant information for specific uses (grade level, subject area, etc.). This will allow one user to contribute a tactile with specific instructions aimed at a grade level and then another user add additional, but separate instructions for different use cases.
A: That all sounds excellent! A central spot that is open but has oversight like Bookshare makes so much sense. Given the comfort that TVIs have with Bookshare, I think the idea of imageshare under the same brand umbrella could really help get TVIs on board. My comment regarding 3Ds prints apply to files for tactile graphics too - there are so many unique materials I have made for this particular math curriculum.
My takeaways…
- TVIs need ways to acquire models - 3D prints can be just the right thing (e.g., a set of APH 3D solids that are several inches tall are wonderful but a collection of 3D printed solids that each fit in the palm of the hand were our go-to manipulative in class during instruction and assessment; also some of the activities required several copies so I was easily able to print five copies of each 3D solid)
- With 3D prints as an easy option, TVIs can start to explore when, where and why models may provide enhanced access to learning task (and importantly when other means of access is better).
- given job demands, it may be difficult for TVIs to integrate use of 3D printed models into students’ curriculum
- for local printing they likely need to interface with people who manage equipment and trouble shoot
- for borrowing or getting prints, there needs to be quick and dependable way to get models. Similar to Bookshare, APH, state materials warehouses.
On Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 1:32:45 PM UTC-7, Benetech Matt Nupen wrote: