Monday, July 18, 2011

REPRAP in ART EDUCATION

26 comments:

  1. This invention is really phenomenal and could definitely be a huge asset to art classes. 1.) One way I think the machine could be used to help students fully develop their ideas from 2d to 3d. 2.) In doing so it will enable them to fully see their concept and could interact with it and see what areas need to be improved. 3.) One other way I can think of is that you can create materials, tools, even work spaces such as tables that students need to help create their projects. This would help lower the costs for both students and schools. Overall, the possibilities are limitless.

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  2. RepRap could be used in numerous ways. The first idea that came to mind if I were to personally own one was to create pieces that I could sell. I's always thinking of a way to make a profit so...yea. The reprap could also be used at UNT for art classes as yet another tool for art and a new learning experience in the classroom. A new course over the reprap could eventually be established. As a future art educator I could see myself using this machine in my classroom where I would create projects where it could be used. I could also introduce it to other teachers and let them use it as a teaching tool as well.

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  3. I think that the Reprap could be a valuable tool for teachers, especially in the art and science fields. In addition to using it to create art, the machine would be great for creating 3D diagrams or models of cells, organisms, bones, etc. for science classes. Having this machine would also allow teachers to create any object they might need to provide for activities and experiments.

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  4. The uses for REPRAP in the art classroom are limited only by the imagination of the user. One way I can think of using the machine is using it to create replications of itself thus quickly paying for itself. The ability to make 3D objects would allow for the creation of cheap anatomy models for the study of the human form in the Art classroom. No more having to pay for pricey anatomically correct models and the level of modesty can be change of a very easy level and the creation of past great 3D works could be made in order to study more closely. The allowance to create other materials needed for art such as stencil/stamp forms, ink rollers, and other simple materials. There's always the option of mapping your own 3D image in a computer program and making cheaply to test the objects ability to withstand gravity and how the weight would be distributed in an actually setting. The production of clockwork small toys would be created, the cogs and wheels will allow for students to create their own simple machine and not limiting students to advance these ideas beyond what simple wire and cardboard creations of previous classes. The allowance for the creation of body ornamentation pieces such as crowns, false gems, perhaps even clothing could be produced in these methods. The possibilities are really endless.

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  5. 1. A reprap machine could be used to create art in just about every different field of our art school. (For example, creating 3D models for interior design or a small prototype for sculpture classes)
    2. It also has the potential to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D. After taking design 1 & 2, i noticed most people favored one over the other. For people who can design an idea but can't create it, this would be a useful tool for them.
    3. Finally, the reprap machine could be used to create materials for students to use, which in turn would save the art department money.

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  7. The reprap would be a great asset in schools.
    1. It would be able to teach students a new way of creating art and thinking about art and exploring new technologies.
    2. It could help students with forming ideas on how things could be used in their art, such as making a small scale 3D model for something they are planning to make in their sculpture or ceramics class.
    3. Like a lot of people have said it could help in material costs because you would be able to produce your own materials. Also it would be a quicker way to getting the materials because you wouldn't have to wait to go to the store to buy them.

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  8. I agree with everything that Elly said. On the negative side the REPRAP would take away the companies and jobs that people have to create these objects. Yes it would save money to have a REPRAP but it could have a negative effect on our economy.

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  9. I think REPRAP in art and other classes would be an awesome tool to have in our classrooms. First, of all I think it would be easier to transfer 2D into 3D...I personally remember taking design 2 and getting my ideas from 2D to 3D was difficult. Second, I agree with Jamie it would be great in science classroom. Third, teachers can make just about anything they want to help supplement their classroom.

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  10. After reading the above comments, I agree with many. In particular, Elly and Laura who talk about using it to create the art tools that will be used to make art. Perhaps it could create a paint brush handle, pallet knife, or scissors. In addition, it could open opportunities to design students. They could create some designs for objects that would be distributed to other users. The RepRap and other 3-D printers like Maker Bot seem to be on the cutting edge of groundbreaking technology. What shcool does not want to be a part of that? If nothing else, it will create debate for an aesthetical conversation about the boundaries of art. What is Art?

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  11. I don't mean to get all auto-biographical on y'all, but both of my parents are art educators. My mom teaches graphic design and my dad teaches computer animation (2D & 3D). I was in my mom's class (when it was called Advertising Design) for 3 semesters in high school. I can't help but think of a few projects where Reprap would have come in handy to make our final presentations amazing.

    Our final project every semester involved a "hallway event." We would set up booths and compete against the other groups in the class (called "agencies") to see who could promote their product the best. Making large-scale models of products (like a giant soda bottle or product packaging) would have been super cool. We also had a project where we designed board games and toys that we never were able to translate from the screen to something we could actually hold and use.

    And for my dad's animation class, they have an endless supply of 3D models that they could turn into real-life figures. If I was an animation student in high school and I knew that my projects could potentially be turned into something I could take home at the end of class in my hands, I would be ecstatic. It would be a nice motivational token to help students get through the time-intensive process of 3D animation.

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  12. Every classroom should be equipped with RepRap. RepRap would allow students to think more 3 dimensionally. It would allow for more spontaneous art making. The bottom line is RepRap is a new technological device that can be used for every and any medium.

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  13. I think the majority of thee benefits I see for the RepRap in a classroom have been touched upon. One thing to consider is that a 3d model of whatever you want needs to be designed for the print to come into formation. This would require student knowledge of basic 3d modeling - so it doesn't seem as simple as taking a 2d idea into 3d. However, for a maya or a 3d animation course, it seems like an excellent way for students to realize their digital creations and improve upon their form.

    I also think that UNT has a reputation as a great school for the arts, and to keep ourselves in the forefront of art education, it is important that we stay two steps ahead by embracing all new technologies that come along. This way we not only learn more about new ideas, but we as art educators will be prepared if and when this technology becomes standard in classrooms across America.

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  14. I feel that the RepRap could be valuable in an art classroom in that- 1.)it would definitely be nice to replace tools such as paint brushes, sculpting tools, and just about anything else that gets worn down over time 2.)getting to see an original 3-D model creation come to life by pressing a button would provide instant gratification 3.)it could be creatively used in cross curricular activities

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  15. I feel that is printer is very innovative. I think it will change how many people view technology. It will take 2D ideas from the computer into real 3D objects. This could be very useful in a classroom : 1.) Give your students a better understanding of 2D and 3D objects 2.) It can take the learning experience to a more tactile and hands on experience. 3.) Allows for more projects and cross curricular assignments..and it is much more efficient.

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  16. The Reprap is a great way to combine the design and fabrication process. Too often, designers produce a plan and the work of construction is done by a group of unskilled or underpaid laborers. This way, students could experience the entire process of design and production to realize the possibilities and drawbacks on both sides and encourage bottom-up knowledge.. Another way that the printer could be used as an educational tool is to experiment with varied materials and understand reproductive or recyclable technology and begin to recognize its potential. I noticed that one of the catch phrases for the Smartbot was, "teaching science by making stuff." I think this is another important element of reprap technology. We learn through experience, and the process involved with this technology demystifies or makes available what is often subjugated knowledge.

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  17. I agree with what most people have said about Reprap. It would be very useful in art classes enabling students to turn their 2D into 3D. It can help with making art supplies. Another thing is that kids would love this and can get them even more inspired and interested in the arts.

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  18. I think that the Reprap would be beneficial especially in a computer class where the students were learning how to create 3-D animation, in being able to print out their attempts to physically see where they need improvement in their technique.

    Also for even elementary classes, one could make enough copies of a figure/image and have the kids paint it/color it, so its not limited to only being beneficial for older groups.

    Other benefits that I see have already been mentioned multiple times by others, what with the ability for the teacher to make some supplies instead of having to buy them, ex.

    The only downside I see would be the limitation of plastic as the medium, I'm not sure how they would be able to use any other medium in this process but that could be something they are working on for the future so again I'm not sure.

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  19. Well to me, the most benefit of reprap is that you do not have to worry about craftsmanship or any drawback to create your design. even if the subject is only limited to art education, but i think it must be extended to other field education - as some people mentioned it can be used in science field to show some example. Or theater class to use for their stage stuff.

    based on my experience of art classes, i actually focused on more 2d designs and drawing or paintings. i do not mean we did not learn anything - just it was lesser than 2d stuff (painting drawing)i am pretty sure reprap will bring huge transition for this.

    only one thing i hope is.. rather than copying, as art educator, we need to promote to use this machine to develop to express students' ideas into 3d perspective.

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  20. This probably isn't something that anyone would want to hear but:
    I would not want my own personal factory on my desktop. Again with the idea of process- I wouldn't want to design my objects on the computer and create them. I know it makes me seem more dependent on factories and corporations that I buy from but, I like the process of shopping around and seeing what's out there. I don't really have a problem with leaving my house to get what I need. Sorry, but for me personally, it's not something I'm interested in.

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  21. I definitely agree with everyone who believes the reprap would be a beneficial tool and asset in the art classroom. I don't necessarily believe it should be used to recreate objects for use of sale, but only for educational purposes. With the low budget in the art classrooms, it would be a great way to recreate supplies. Everyone would have the same opportunity in the classroom. Another great idea that has already been mentioned is 3-d design and animation. It would be a fun and easier way to demonstrate how to bring a 2-d sketch to life. Overall, the reprap could better a classroom and spark more interests in students.

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  22. I like the idea that the students could create their projects in 2D and translate it to 3D. It would be a good way to see the final project and they could see what works with the object as 3D and what they need to do to change the project with little time constraint.
    I think the reprap is a great tool for the classroom.

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  23. Laura never thought of creating large scale objects like desks, it sounds like it could be done piece by piece and assembled and could save some money.

    Jamie, I know that lab supplies cost a lot and I would have never thought to create them.

    Mary Janes, I agree with the idea of window shopping and the ideas behind consumerism. But just because you have a factory on your desktop doesn't mean you can't look at the market place for inspiration on items to make them even better than what's on the market.

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  25. I think that the Reprap is a very unique printer that has many advantages in the classroom. 1) Students will be able to fully realize every 3d project from beginning to end. 2) Teachers will be able to expand their existing 2d projects to the 3d world. 3) I agree with Ciara, the Reprap is an excellent source for making materials for the classroom instead of buying them. The printer allows for unlimited copies of classroom materials that would normally take from the classroom budget.

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  26. The reprap printer could be very useful and innovative at the university level. The different departments could experiment with their own printer (that the first one would print most of the parts for) and expand and help the development of this machine. It might still be a little early to put it in a K-12 classroom. Even though the fact that we can actually print in three dimensions is really awesome, it's still pretty simple in terms of what it can actually create. That's why I think it would be good for University level to experiment and develop it further before it's implemented into education.

    Like Ciara said, the possibilities are literally endless. We just have to give it time and let it evolve a bit more.

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