The current project 3D4VIP is a logical follow up on an earlier collaborative KA219 project called UBIS (01-10-2017 and 30-09-2019). Within this project an accessible online database was created which offers models for education for low vision and blind students (short VI Students) free to download. With each model, didactic information is provided, regarding the use of the teaching material. In UBIS a document was created with a decision tree on when to use which type of teaching material (text, model, actual product), explanation of what is 3D printing (incl. FAQ), including video and guidelines concerning the creation of models for VI students, with specific conditions, such as texture, dimensions and scale, contrast and text and braille. 3D4VIP wants to take UBIS and the impact of the database and the guidelines that were developed to a next level. It will consist of several phases to achieve an even higher level of the use of 3D printing and the production of models for the purpose of improving the education for VI students. 1. Realisation of a 3D model database. We will test and evaluate current existing databases. There are two types of users of the database; 1) teachers who need a model can download it and 2) experts who can make models can upload them and share them with the teachers. The evaluation will focus on both. From this evaluation a decision will be made on the best solution (joining an existing database or optimise the current database). In any case, the result is planned to be a universal, intuitive tool and online database, where teachers and experts can find models and all the information concerning 3D printing for VI education i.e., the guidelines and a platform where experts can share formative contents. It will be open source and under a creative commons license so everything can be used for free. 2. Develop Guidelines. We will develop guidelines for 3D models. How do you print Braille or arrows? What do you have to think about when making a model for visually impaired students? 3. Raise awareness. All through the project we focus on the familiarity and deployment of 3D printing amongst the educators and experts. We will develop information videos for schools to use 3D printing. Experts can use the database to find each other and consult the guidelines. Teachers will be informed on how to easily produce tangible materials to be used in class. 4. Produce tangible educational materials. We will develop models to be used in curricula for VI students. E.g. in STEM (science, technology, engineering mathematics) courses or new subjects, such as computational thinking or referrers (objects of reference; tangible communication materials) for students with Multiple Disabilities and Visual Impairment (MDVI). Also the art and languages subjects can benefit. In addition we will look for a combination of techniques in the models. Is it possible to add audio, or moving elements? Some products will be further elaborated to analyse all possibilities. 5. Recommendations on using 3D printing with VI students. Intuitively, human sight is essential for computer graphics and modelling. Thus, at first glance, it might seem logical that there are few applications for blind 3D modellers. However, there are many use cases and reasons for enabling blind people to perform 3D modelling. Conventional 3D modelling applications are typically not easily accessible for blind users. We will assess the software and create hardware optimisations where possible, providing recommendations and an offline package with good practices. This project contributes to a society where VI students have a better position on the labour market after school, VI students are more included, MDVI students’ wellbeing (and outside the classroom) is improved due to the increase of communication means and have better and therefore more equal learning opportunities than their sighted peers. Educators of VI and MDVI students are better equipped to teach their students, experts are more capable in modelling and printing high quality 3D models that are accessible and suitable for MDVI and VI students in their education. VI students have more equal learning opportunities to their peers as they will be able to learn in a more independent manner. VI students (secondary school, no cognitive problems) gain more insight in 2D/3D by learning more about 3D printing themselves and MDVI students are able to communicate better due to the availability of (improved) referrers. Educators are more aware of the opportunities and advantages of 3D printing and 3D printed materials for VI students in class. They also have easy access to a multitude of approved and high quality tangible, tactile educational materials for MDVI and VI students. Experts are supported by having guidelines for modelling and printing of high quality educational materials for MDVI and VI students. 3D printing experts are able to connect and share experiences with peers easily.
The main objectives of this project are: 1. Analysing and optimizing the UBIS database (or connect with other databases, such as medien.augenbit.de or build a new database). 2. Establishing the requirements for creating high-quality 3D printing models. 3. Raising awareness among teachers about the potential of 3D printing in VI student education. 4. Producing educational 3D materials for the classroom. 5. Assessing the accessibility of software and 3D techniques for VI students. By achieving these objectives, our goal was to create a society where VI students have improved post-school employment prospects, enhanced inclusion, and greater well-being for MDVI students, both inside and outside the classroom. At the end of the project educators of VI and MDVI students are better equipped to teach, experts will become more proficient in modelling and printing accessible 3D models, VI students will gain insights into 2D/3D, and MDVI students will have improved communication tools. Educators are more aware of the potential and benefits of 3D printing and printed materials for VI students in the classroom. Additionally, 3D printing experts will have the opportunity to connect and share experiences with their peers.
3D4VIP, is a follow-up to the collaborative KA219 project UBIS, aimed to enhance the impact of the database and guidelines. Our goal was to create a comprehensive database for 3D materials and educational resources designed for visually impaired students. Initially, 3D printing teaching materials were inadequate and unsuitable for visually impaired students (including those with low vision and blindness). Modern educational materials, driven by developments in computer sciences, have become increasingly interactive but less tangible, which doesn't necessarily benefit visually impaired students. However, accessible techniques like 3D printing and laser cutting, readily available in schools, enable us to create more tactile teaching materials. Our goal was to develop universally adaptable and cost-effective tangible learning materials, offering our target group a wide array of resources to help them reach their full potential in the classroom.