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Backward Design

This guide is primarily for teaching ART 4392/5392 students how to prepare to teach their workshops in the FabLab, but it is generally applicable to anyone who wants an overview of the Backward Design method of curriculum planning.

Tips

  • When designing a workshop for the FabLab, keep in mind the space that you’ll be in.  Only 3-6 people can generally huddle around one piece of equipment at a time, and not much of the equipment is moveable to make it more accessible for a workshop.
  • Noise carries easily in the FabLab.  This both adds to the creative, communal atmosphere, and also makes it a little more difficult to teach and hold participants’ attentions without distractions.
  • Consider if there’s anything else you might need, like a projector, extra white boards, etc.  The tables in the FabLab are all moveable and can be rearranged as needed.
  • We have duplicates of some equipment (11 3D printers, 2 laser cutters, 2 sewing machines, 2 sergers, multiple soldering irons).  This might make larger groups for some workshops easier.
  • Consider whether most of your instruction centers around the creation of digital files, or on actual manufacturing on a machine.
    • We have some computers in the FabLab, but they are spread throughout the space and not the best for teaching larger groups
    • We can reserve the B20 or 315A classroom for instruction in addition to the FabLab.  These classrooms have most of the digital fabrication softwares you may need, but you can always ask Katie to confirm.
      • Bear in mind that the computers in these labs are older and thus a little slower.
      • Katie will need to confirm that a classroom is available during your desired workshop time and then reserve that room – make sure you’ve confirmed dates and times with her first.
  • Keep in mind certain time constraints and implications of those constraints.  What is the end goal of your workshop?  Consider if it is to have the participants learn a new skill, leave with a finished product, or possibly both (or something else entirely!)
    • For example, if someone has never 3D modeled before, it would be difficult to teach them how to model successfully and have that object finish printing within an hour and half/2 hour workshop.  Do you want to just teach them an intro to modeling?  Could you pre-print what you’re teaching them to model, so they still leave with something in hand?  What would be the costs to do that?
  • What additional supplies are required to teach this workshop?

Scheduling

You can schedule your workshop by email to the FabLab: fablab@uta.edu

Please send your email no later than Friday, Nov. 3. When you send your email, please include:

  • In the subject line, include "Schedule Workshop for ART 4392-003"
  • In the body, write:
    • The topic of the workshop you are offering
    • The date and time and estimated duration of the workshop
      • We recommend proposing several time slots, in case your first choice isn't available
    • Where you would like to have the workshop – FabLab, computer classroom, or both
    • Any extra supplies or set up questions/request