Examining the Integration of Virtual Design and 3D Printing in Science Education for Prospective Teachers

Year 2024, , 72 - 100, 23.09.2024

Adem Koç , Mutlu Nisa Ünaldı Coral

https://doi.org/10.9779/pauefd.1279635

Abstract

This study was carried out with the participation of preservice science teachers. A three-dimensional design program Tinkercad and a three-dimensional printer were used in this research in line with the stages of engineering design process and project-based learning method. At the beginning of the implementation process, the preservice teachers were informed in detail by the researchers and provided with design guidelines in the virtual environment. Trials were carried out in biology and computer laboratories according to the weekly plan. Working in groups of 3-5, preservice teachers agreed on a design after having worked on their projects individually on the topic they chose and developed the one they agreed on as the outcome. At the end of the process, the final design of each group was printed through a 3D printer and semi-structured interviews were conducted with one volunteer teacher from each group. Based on the emerging themes and codes, it was discerned that positive feedback was provided by the preservice teachers concerning the conducted process. Their recommendations highlighted the necessity for an increased prevalence of such applications. Furthermore, they advocated that analogous applications and technological advancements should be inherently integrated into the training curriculum across diverse fields.

Keywords

virtual design, 3D printing, STEM education, project-based learning, prospective science teachers

Project Number

2021-1-AP2-4365

Öğretmen Adaylarının Fen Bilimleri Eğitiminde Sanal Tasarım ve Üç Boyutlu Yazıcı Entegrasyonunun İncelenmesi

Abstract

Fen bilimleri içeriğinde soyut kavramların oldukça yoğun olduğu bir öğrenme alanıdır. Konu ve kavramlara göre somutlaştırma işlemleri geleneksel laboratuvar ve fiziksel tasarım atölyelerinde gerçekleştirilebilse de, bu her zaman mümkün olamamakta ya da daha zor olabilmektedir. Bu sorunların üstesinden gelebilmek ve öğrenmede somutlaştırmanın önemine vurgu yapmak için, bu çalışma fen bilgisi öğretmen adaylarının katılımı ile soyut kavramların çoğunlukta olduğu Biyoloji III dersi kapsamında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Haftalık olarak ikişer ders saati şeklinde mühendislik tasarım süreci aşamalarına ve proje tabanlı öğrenme yöntemine göre gerçekleştirilen bu uygulamada üç boyutlu tasarım programı olan Tinkercad programı ve üç boyutlu yazıcı kullanılmıştır. Uygulama süreci başında öğretmen adayları araştırmacılar tarafından ayrıntılı olarak bilgilendirilerek sanal ortamda tasarıma ilişkin çalışma yaprakları sunulmuştur. Haftalık belirlenen plan çerçevesinde uygulamalar biyoloji ve bilgisayar laboratuvarlarında gerçekleştirilmiştir. 3-5’er kişilik gruplar halinde çalışan öğretmen adayları seçtikleri konuda gerçekleştirdikleri bireysel tasarımlarından sonra bir tasarıma karar verip, onu nihai tasarım olarak geliştirmişlerdir. Süreç sonunda her bir grubun nihai tasarımı üç boyutlu yazıcıda bastırılmış ve her gruptan gönüllü birer öğretmen adayı ile yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Gerçekleştirilen görüşmeler sonucunda elde edilen tema ve kodlar tablolaştırılarak sunulmuştur. Öğretmen adaylarının sürece ilişkin olumlu görüş belirttikleri, bu tür uygulamaların sayısının artması gerektiği ve diğer konu alanlarında da benzer uygulamaların gerçekleştirilebileceği yönünde görüş belirttikleri görülmüştür.

Keywords

sanal tasarım, 3D yazıcı, STEM eğitimi, proje tabanlı öğrenme, fen bilgisi öğretmen adayları

Supporting Institution

Mersin Üniversitesi Bilimsel Araştırma Projeleri Birimi

Project Number

2021-1-AP2-4365

Thanks

Araştırmanın gerçekleştirilmesine katkılarından dolayı Mersin Üniversitesi Bilimsel Araştırma Projeleri Birimi'ne teşekkür ederiz.

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