See with your hands, hear with your mind; understanding Palenque through technology.

Purpose & objective

The purpose of this presentation is to showcase an innovative educational project that combines technology, design, cultural understanding, and accessibility to enhance student learning. Through this presentation, participants will gain insights into how technology can be harnessed to create meaningful, inclusive learning experiences. The project, centered around the design and creation of the tomb of Pakal in Palenque using 3D printing technology and audio recordings, serves as a compelling case study illustrating the potential for technology to foster creativity, empathy, and accessibility in education.

-Participants will gain an understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the tomb of Pakal in Palenque.
-Participants will learn about the practical applications of 3D printing technology in education, including its potential to create tactile representations of complex objects.
-Participants will discover how pedagogical approaches can be enhanced by integrating technology to promote student engagement and creativity.
-Participants will explore strategies for designing learner-driven, technology-enhanced activities that accommodate learner variability.
-Participants will gain hands-on experience with 3D modeling software and 3D printing technology, -with the opportunity to create a simple 3D model.
-Participants will explore strategies for fostering a classroom environment that values diversity and promotes empathy among students.

Outline

In a dynamic 30-minute presentation at ISTE, we will delve into the innovative project, "title”. The journey will begin with a warm welcome and a brief introduction to the stand's mission: showcasing cutting-edge educational practices. We will invite attendees to actively engage and explore the project, setting the stage for a transformative experience.
As they move through the exhibit, participants encounter four captivating stations; At the first, they marvel at a tangible 3D-printed model of Pakal's tomb while listening to audio explanations created specifically for blind teenagers, immersing themselves in the power of technology to bridge accessibility gaps; The second station offers hands-on learning, with tablets and laptops armed with 3D modeling software, enabling participants to embark on a guided journey into technology-enhanced design; Next, at the inclusivity station, blindfolds simulate visual impairment as participants experience the importance of audio description; Lastly, they gather for a brief yet enriching peer-to-peer discussion, reflecting on technology's role in fostering inclusivity.
In just some minutes, participants leave with a profound understanding of technology's potential to transform education, promoting inclusivity, empathy, and innovative pedagogy.

Supporting research

Articles:
"The Impact of Technology on Special Education" - This article discusses the positive impact of technology on special education and the accessibility it provides to students with disabilities.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1669&context=honors_theses

"Empathy in the Age of Technology: A Framework for Building Compassion at Scale" - This article highlights the importance of fostering empathy through technology, which is a key aspect of inclusive education.
DOI:10.1016/B978-0-12-801873-6.00002-9