3D MODELLING AND PRINTING

SKETCH UP

Sketchup is a 3D Modelling program that allows its users to virtually create anything and with that; promoting creativity for all involved (Liveri et al., 2012). The software is centred around its  drawing tool that enables the creation of both simple or complex 3D shapes and models (Liveri et al., 2012). Additionally, these models can be created in the fields of architecture, interior design and engineering (Kurtulus & Uygan, 2010). 

One’s creativity can be switched on when the appropriate stimulus is presented. In a classroom setting, Sketchup has the capability to foster the imagination of its students through its ability to allow one to communicate, portray and present their ideas in a three-dimensional display (Liveri et al., 2012). For example, Sketchup can be used in a lesson plan for a geometry class; as a way of visualising Van Hieles 5 levels of geometric thinking (Abu et al., 2012).

With this being said, Many scholars shed light on the positive influence Sketchup can have on one’s spatial skills (Kurtulus & Uygan, 2010; Erkoc et al., 2013; Abu et al., 2012). Spatial skills can be defined by the extent to which one’s mental capabilities can visually understand or interpret the relations among objects (Tarte,1990). Spatial abilities are large components of our day to day life such as driving a car / parking a car or taking a photograph (Erkoc et al., 2013). Therefore, promoting the creativity of its users whilst also providing them with a platform to improve important everyday life skills.

However, some disadvantages can be noted; although the software does offer a free trial/ free version, others can cost between $300-$1200 depending on the chosen version (Scan2cad, 2019). Additionally, it is said to be increasingly difficult to operate when creating more complex models (Lee & Yan, 2016). 

Reference List

Abu, M. S., Ali, M. B., & Hock, T. T. (2012). Assisting primary school children to progress through their van Hiele’s levels of geometry thinking using Google Sketchup. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 64, 75-84.

Erkoc, M. F., Gecu, Z., & Erkoc, C. (2013). The effects of using Google SketchUp on the mental rotation skills of eighth grade students. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 13(2), 1285-1294.

Etido. (2019). How much does Sketchup cost? Pricing explained. Scan2CAD Blog. https://www.scan2cad.com/cad/sketchup-pricing/

SketchUp. (2013, August 22). Getting Started With SketchUp – Part 1. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL01iW9DAEU&feature=youtu.be

Kurtulus, A., & Uygan, C. (2010). The effects of Google Sketchup based geometry activities and projects on spatial visualization ability of student mathematics teachers. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 9, 384-389.

Lee, S., & Yan, J. (2016). The impact of 3D CAD interfaces on user ideation: A comparative analysis using SketchUp and Silhouette Modeler. Design Studies, 44, 52-73.

Liveri, A., Xanthacou, Y., & Kaila, M. (2012). The Google Sketch Up Software as a Tool to Promote Creativity in Education in Greece. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 69, 1110-1117.

Tartre, L. A. (1990). Spatial orientation skill and mathematical problem solving. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 216-229.