3D Modeling on Mobile Devices

As schools move towards innovative learning opportunities, one popular tool seems to be maker stations that allow kids to explore their creativity through collaboration and hands on learning. We already know that 3D printers will soon become viable options as the prices drop for these advanced devices, but what will students use to bring their ideas to life?
One fantastic tool is an app called 123D Sculpt+ which comes from Autodesk. It is not a full fledged professional 3D modeling program, and trying to create models on a tablet or phone does have some limitations, but most of the standard tools are available. Students can use pinch to zoom and pan gestures to move around their digital clay while sculpting and shaping their models. There is even an option to complete your model with digital painting. Autodesk wisely included pre-made models for students to experiment with, so they can learn about the wide range of tools without having to create something from scratch.
Students can export their OBJ files to access more advanced features on their desktop PC if they have the proper software available. A major point of interest for teachers is the ability to have students order a 3D model of their creations and have it shipped to their school sites. You’ll need an android device that is running Jellybean or higher and best of all, there are no in-app purchases unless you are ordering student creations.

RUSD Gooru Innovation Lab

In partnership with Gooru, RUSD hosted our monthly Innovation Lab.  K-12 teachers and support staff personnel volunteered an hour and a half of their time to:

• learn about and provide feedback to Gooru Product Team members for new features coming out soon.
• learn how to best utilize all the collection data analytic features in Gooru.
• Watch interview videos with RUSD Power Users, and learn how to follow Gooru users inside and outside our district.

Check out RUSD's highlighted Power Users and learn how to follow their Gooru profile. We held the meeting in a station rotation model which allowed attendees to collaborate and ask questions in a more intimate fashion.  When reflecting on the meeting a teacher stated, “Loved that you had rotating stations. It reminds me how kids love that too. Just the simple act of going through the motion and practicing with helpers ‘in the know’ cleared up so much of the fog that permeates our classrooms when there is NO ONE THERE!” As the meeting was wrapping up, an elementary teacher expressed, “I could go to these meetings all day long!” Participants were asked if they were willing to commit to the Innovation Lab for the remainder of the year and all participants noted on the exit survey, “Yes, I’m in!” Participants who are in attendance for all the meetings will receive a professional Gooru Co-Creator Innovation Lab Badge, which will be linked to their haiku profile.  We look forward to an ongoing partnership with Gooru and our dedicated teachers.

Visualize the World w/ Google Earth

Google Earth has been an valuable tool for those looking to explore astronomy, engineering, architecture, and construction. Although the free version is great, Google Earth Pro has been used by businesses to plan 3D buildings and even find locations to place solar panels on rooftops. Schools have also found ways to utilize Google Earth as the features have slowly become more robust and intuitive. Combined with Street View, Google Earth could be used in classrooms to take virtual field trips around the world, including underwater views of the Great Barrier Reef and space traveling across Mars. Although the free version has some fantastic tools, the Pro version is a significant improvement with some heavy duty options.

Google recently announced that their Google Earth Pro software is now free to anyone who wants to explore the world and beyond. The Pro license used to be $399 so this is a pretty steep reduction in price and opens up some amazing opportunities for teachers and students. The Pro version has all the detailed imagery of Google Earth but provides advanced tools to measure 3-D buildings, print HD images for presentations, and even record HD movies of your virtual flights around the world.

Click Here to get some more information on Google Earth Pro as well as a link for the download and the free license key.