A group of Japanese school students with special needs recently trialled the new Japanese language version of Makers Empire’s 3D design and printing app at Fablab Shibuya in Tokyo and declared it a resounding hit.
During the one-hour 3D printing class run by Fablab teachers, the students used the Makers Empire app, iPads and Fablab 3D printers to design and create their own brooches
For the past three years FabCafe has been running workshops for disabled children with the aim of usingtechnology to enhance the children’s learning outcomes. The students in this particular class using the Makers Empire 3D design and printing app have all been diagnosed with ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder).
After designing their brooches with the Makers Empire app and 3D printing their brooches, the students then used textas and craft materials to further customise them.
Here’s a just printed brooch:
And here it is decorated:
The two modules used in the class were Shaper and Cogger. All of the students used Shaper to make their brooches while Cogger was most popular with the boys.
According to teacher and workshop leader Toshimasa Kawai, all of the students were able to use the app after a short, 10-minute introduction. Teachers sat beside the students to assist them if necessary by demonstrating how to use the app but the students didn’t need a lot of support.
Here’s a finished brooch in a presentation box ready to give someone as a gift:
And here is on a schoolbag:
According to Toshi-san, all of the students loved using the app and found the whole experience very fun.
“They wanted to make something big!” he said.
A big thank you Toshi-san for the feedback on our Japanese version of the Makers Empire app and for supplying these great photos, too.
We love hearing about the ways students are using the Makers Empire 3D design and printing app. Got a great Makers Empire story we can share? Please let us know via email to info@makersempire.com.
