Before we get stuck in, I would like to give you a basic understanding of the environment and content which I teach and so that is what this blog is all about.
My job title is as a 3D Printing and Digital Design Specialist Technician – Learning and Teaching. I am part of the Digital Learning Lab where we specialise in integrating fashion and technology. We are accessible to any member of LCF, whether staff or student and so I support a huge range of different individuals and projects on a day to day basis.
Most of my teaching is made up of drop-in days and workshops, these both sit outside of course curriculum and are entirely optional and extra for the students who want to learn about 3D Print and digital design (specifically using Rhino 3D software) which generally means that the people I interact with are very engaged and interested in the topic which is a huge boost to my teaching.
My teaching takes place within the Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab) which is comprised of two spaces. Space one is the digital prep and finishing room (shown in the images with the wooden tables, a few computers and the large screen) this is where I base most of my workshops. I am able to utilise the screen for my powerpoint and supporting materials. In this room I also have display cases of sample 3D models, these feature heavily in many of my workshops.
The other space that I cross into is the machine room, where I run three SLA 3D printers and they’re supporting post processing machines. I also utilise these for demonstrations to assist student learning. The other machines in this room that are utilised in my teaching are the FDM machines housed on the racking. Once students have attended various workshops they are able to use these machines independently. A large proportion of my teaching is based around demonstrations and activities with these machines for the students.
Very occasionally I teach in another space all together, which is an open plan high powered compute space. This has one large screen which I project my screen