Computerized embroidery in education
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Introduction
Computer-controlled embroidery is a kind of Computer-aided design and manufacturing. An embroidery machine executes computer numerical control (CNC) files that are generated from the design software.
We believe that computer-controlled embroidery may have a more prominent place in education and for many different reasons.
For now, just a few ideas that I will expand with some theory - Daniel K. Schneider 14:24, 17 June 2011 (CEST)
Embroidery for identity building
In particular, younger students could create embroidery in (mostly) extra-curricalar classes that address societial isssues, like peace, envrionment, energy, migration etc. Creating wearable embroidery would engage learners in exposing views in public and not just the classroom.
Co-workers in an outfit that has such a machine could create identity-building designs.
Wenger defines identity as what we know, what is foreign and what we choose to know, as well as how we know it. Our identies determine with whom we will interact in a knowledge sharing activity, and our willingness and capacity to engage in boundary interactions (Wenger 2000, p.239). Billet (2006:66) adopts the stance that “the individual can be seen as being socially shaped ontogenetically, albeit in ways rendered unique by their personal histories of self-construction [..] relations between the individual and the social world might best be understood as those between ontogeny and history are understood, as operating in parallel and through negotiation, where the immediate and premediate coalesce and shape the postmediate experience. It is these relations that are continually engaged in remaking and reproducing cultural and social practice, as in vocational practice and learning.”
Part of identity building definitions imply that identity can, is and should being expressed.
Embroidery for communication
Academics and others could create embroidery to wear at events like conferences and that express a strong viewpoint, part of a theory or research.
Such embroidery could:
- Display figures and diagrams, turn a person into some kind of walking poster
- Make strong statements
- Display logos of favorite projects, software etc.
1) Walking posters
Various matching technology and concepts does exit e.g. for business speed dating or as part of CSCL scripts in education.
Location-based matchmaking can be implemented with various specialized devices (i.e. some kind of bracelet), through cell phones or any other wireless device. Research and development in this is area is conducted under the label of location-based (or context-aware) mobile applications. The principle is the same: It should raise the awareness of the presence of others that share similar interests within a reduced spatial area, e.g. a conference building.
Embroidery design for learning vector graphics
Modern embroidery design often starts from "ordinary" vector graphics and between actual stitches, so-called embroidery objects are also represented as vector graphic objects.
Embroidery could awaken interest for IT in people who otherwise just stick to Word and Facebook.
Embroidery as introduction to design
Having students create designs will train them in design and in using design software. Design is important for our societies and should be taught more. Also, micro-fabrication will gain importance in the future and we should be ready for that.
Embroidery as motivator and post-production
Subject-specific designs could be motivators in project-oriented classes (nature, science, political). I.e. the idea is to have students create designs that represent knowledge in various forms.
Links
- Matchmaking
- A new and revolutionary social interaction device, Dating Industry and Matchmaking Industry Forums Forum Index -> New Technologies
Embroidery as contructionist learning object
According to Zuckerman's taxonomy there are three kinds of constructionist learning objects
- Construction & Design (Froebel tradition) and its modern digital variants (Papert and Resnick)
- Conceptual Manipulation (Montessori)
- Reality Role Play (Dewey)
1 ) See embroidery for learning design and 2D drawing (above)
2) ?
3) Embroidered cloth or bands could help to organize role plays
Bibliography
- Billett, S. (2006) Relational Interdependence Between Social and Individual Agency in Work and Working Life, Mind, Culture, And Activity, 13(1), 53-69. PDF
- Dewey, J. (1938) Experience and Education, New York: Collier Books.
- Fröbel, F. (1826) On the Education of Man (Die Menschenerziehung), Keilhau/Leipzig: Wienbrach
- Montessori, M. (1916) The Montessori Method, New York: Schocken Books (1964 edition)
- Resnick, M., Martin, F., Sargent, R., and Silverman, B. (1996). Programmable Bricks: Toys to Think With. IBM Systems Journal 35, 3, 443-452.
- Wenger, Etienne. (2000), Communities of Practice and Social Learning Systems, Organization, Volume 7(2): 225-246
- Zuckerman, Oren (2006, in preparation), Historical Overview and Classification of Traditional and Digital Learning Objects MIT Media Laboratory, 20 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. PDF - CiteSeer Abstract.
- Zuckerman, Oren (2010). Designing digital objects for learning: lessons from Froebel and Montessori, International Journal of Arts and Technology 3 (1) 124-135. (Access restricted).
- To sort out