- What are some initiatives\things\volunteering you have been involved with? Describe what you have done, and the amount of time you have spent.
Some initiatives I did was participating in the digital bootcamp in September. It required me to help other grade 9s to set up their Edublog such as making a post and creating their own portfolio. I was able to help students that needed to find the link for their assignment. Furthermore, I assisted students to find the page that offered the different themes for their edublog. I was also able to answer any of the teacher’s tech questions during the bootcamp if they had certain issues. There were students that I helped, specifically with their microsoft account password and the office 365 features that they could use. This bootcamp would last around 3 hours. Another initiative I did was the digital training bootcamp where I had to use both the 3D printer and Cricut Design Space. For the 3D printers, I was able to create my first ring as a beginner. I was also able to familiarize myself with the Maker Space in general.
- What are some things you have learned? Describe any challenges, aha moments, small wins…What did you learn from it?
Some things I have learned were trying out the 3D printers because I had no prior experience. Therefore, I had to learn the basics of tinkercad first before I can 3D print anything. But as I continuously designed new things in tinkercad, it allowed me to be more creative. Some aha moments were discovering the shortcut features that were implemented in tinkercad such as the D key that would place the object flat on the ground so that its not floating to print. I also learned that there were different files needed for specific 3D printers. For example, if I wanted to use the Ditto Pro 3D printer, I needed to convert my STL file to a g file in Tinkerine. If I wanted to use the Flashforge Adventure printer, I needed to converted my STL file to a gx file through the Flashprint software. After printing a few projects, I learned the importance of knowing how long it takes to print because some objects can take anywhere between 10 minutes or a couple of hours to be completed. A challenge that I encountered was within Tinkerine where it wouldn’t allow me to slice my project. I was ultimately able to solve this problem by using a duplicated file instead to convert it.
- What can I improve and/or accomplish? Focus on technology, leadership and school culture.
I can improve my usage of the Cricut machine because I am not very confident using it. I also want to be able to design new projects in the Cricut Design Space because I am still learning how to use the software efficiently. I can also improve my leadership by helping others in the maker space because it will help me develop my own personal skills in the process as well. Furthermore, I also want to volunteer at the wave more often so that I can help them solve digital issues. If possible, I can also try to assist Mrs. Henderson if there is a class that needs help with 3D printing in my off block. By reaching out to new people, I will be able to improve the school culture by letting them know that there is always assistance available for them.