Update the way you capture your seating arrangements with a swift click of a button. Instead of manually recording (in writing or via an app) the evolution of your classroom layout throughout the year, take a photo with the technology you have — your phone, tablet or camera all work well. Not only will supply teachers thank you for this helpful teaching tool (share the image electronically or leave a printed copy), it will allow you to visually reflect on which arrangements and flexible groupings worked best. The students can also take part in future planning by using this visual aid.

— Treslyn Vassel, OCT
Peel District School Board

➞ Have a classroom idea to share? Send it to us at ps@oct.ca and your advice could be published in an upcoming issue! Check out our Professional Practice research archive at oct-oeeo.ca/e6u7sd.

Model Behaviour

By Stefan Dubowski

Tinkering with the idea of 3D printing in your classroom? Have a look at Tinkercad — a program from Autodesk, the company behind the AutoCAD software that engineers and other design professionals use. This simplified version is a web-based platform that allows you to create three-dimensional models, no experience required.

The straightforward lessons take you and your students through each step, so that you can learn together. You can then provide your class access to the program by creating a shareable code that allows you to monitor their progress. Visit Project Ignite (projectignite.autodesk.com; a website within the Autodesk family) to access a variety of ready-to-go projects, such as making model spaceships, building balloon-powered cars and designing miniature houses. Try your hand at new objects by choosing from a series of shapes, which can be dragged to the centre of the screen, moved around and modified. Use the navigational and zoom features to change your perspective and see your project from all angles. Think of Tinkercad as not only a 3D-design program but as a supplementary tool to teach geometry and measurement — a way for students to put math into action.

Not ready to start from scratch? No problem! Check out the Gallery, where public models are shared with Tinkercad’s 3.5-million user community — you can modify them to kick off a new design. Need extra support? Follow @Tinkercad on Twitter and watch tutorials on the associated YouTube channel (youtube.com/tinkercad).

Once you’ve designed your models, display them on the Tinkercad Gallery, Instagram account (oct-oeeo.ca/4cdy5c) or Facebook page (facebook.com/Tinkercad). If you don’t have access to a 3D printer, connect with one of Autodesk’s partners (such as 3D Hubs), for a list of nearby printing services.