Merging Teaching and a Newfound Passion for Tinkering | Makers Next Door
Meet Elle Goh, a 23-year-old with a heart as big as her ambitions, whose days are spent nurturing young minds at a non-profit student care centre. Coming from a background in Child Psychology and Early Education, the aspiring teacher worked in a kindergarten for a year before moving on to her current role where she provides support and guidance to primary school students.
Elle happened to chance upon MakeIT at Libraries while scrolling through TikTok and after attending the introductory workshops in digital fabrication, she now uses her newfound knowledge to create a variety of useful items for herself and her students.
Discovering a newfound passion for 3D printing via MakeIT
Elle attended her first 3D printing Starter Session, which is a beginner friendly hands-on workshop for participants with no prior experience, and was blown away at the technology as well as how it was made readily available to the public.
The Starter Session left such a profound impact on Elle, that she confessed that her imagination went on overdrive with this newfound possibility.
“When I attended the 3D printing Starter class, it looked so futuristic and it felt surreal that anyone can use it in our public libraries for free as long as you are a member of NLB.
“After taking that class, I had so many ideas that I went back to MakeIT at Libraries every weekend on both days to try to design and print out my ideas,” Elle shared.
Learning to digitally fabricate
Following the initial class, Elle delved into the world of 3D printing, where she encountered a few uncertainties regarding support and optimisation settings for her prints. Seeking guidance, she approached the MakeIT coach stationed at the counter and found a wealth of knowledge and support.
“The MakeIT coach provided invaluable suggestions and advice,” she recounted. This bolstered her confidence in navigating the intricacies of 3D printing as she embarked on her first few projects.
Her journey at MakeIT eventually extended beyond 3D printing, as she ventured into the realm of sewing three months after her first Starter Session. Despite being unfamiliar with the technology, Elle embraced the challenge.
“Sewing was harder for me to grasp as it included more artistry and experience to know how to sew and where to cut”, she reflected.
Drawing on online resources, coupled with in-person guidance from dedicated coaches, Elle tackled the learning curve head-on, determined to hone her sewing skills over time.
Beyond 3D printing and sewing, Elle’s diverse interests and commitment to continuous learning at MakeIT has seen her repertoire of skills grow to include laser cutting as well as digital cutting with the ScanNCut.
Creating her own personal projects
Within MakeIT, Elle uses her tinkering time to create a plethora of creative projects for both herself and her loved ones. Among her favourite endeavours are articulated prints, which impresses her due to their ability to combine rigidity with mobility.
One of her most cherished accomplishments is her first solo-designed and printed 3D creation — a customised coupon holder for her students, which she meticulously calculated specific dimensions as well as experimented with various trial designs and settings to ensure that its functionality fit her requirements.
“It also includes an extra recessed area for rubber bands to be slotted through so it can be pulled through the coupons at once, making collection easier” Elle added.
Her enthusiasm has also led her to some unique creations, such as adorable yet functional polar bear phone stands.
Yet, her journey into the realm of 3D pen art is still a work in progress. “I’m still learning and trying with the help of one of the MakeIT coaches,” Elle said.
While Elle hasn’t yet explored integrating different technologies, she’s already planning her next venture — a multi-pocket pouch created via sewing, with buckles made out of 3D printing. She is intending to design it specifically for carrying her daily essentials.
More than just a hobby: Using her newfound knowledge in education
On top of her personal creations, Elle also finds joy in leveraging her hobby to enhance the experience of her students.
“My first project was a coupon holder to ensure my students could easily manage their coupons, minimising the need for constant replacements,” she shared.
Since then, she has gone on to craft assistance signs for her students, such as repurposing the designs of yellow “caution” floor signs to indicate “help please” instead. These innovative creations help her students to signal when they require assistance.
Besides practical creations, Elle also creates other thoughtful items for her students such as personalised keychains resembling pencils for Children’s Day to meticulously crafted chess pieces to replace ones that her students had lost.
Inspired by the endless possibilities of 3D printing, Elle envisions its transformative potential in education.
“To me, 3D printing has its limitations but has many more possibilities in the teaching world. They could be used to engage students by including them in lesson examples rather than just drawing on the board. It can also be used to create realistic and accurate models for students to see and even feel for students who are kinesthetic learners.
“3D printing can also teach students, if given the opportunity, to be able to visualise 2D items on the screen into 3D shapes, and help them gain analytical skills.”
Elle has her sights set on her next endeavour — a parallel line drawer for her Primary 1 students to help them envision how to draw alphabet letter — as she continues to harness the power of digital fabrication to enrich the educational journey of her students.
A community-like spirit within MakeIT, where anyone can find help and guidance
Within the vibrant community of MakeIT at Libraries, Elle enjoys the warmth and camaraderie during sessions. Being an introvert, she also appreciates how the inclusive atmosphere helps her to feel comfortable.
“The community in MakeIT when I first started was very inviting and welcoming. Everyone was friendly and would often praise your work and chat about their projects and even their personal lives as well.”
Elle also notes the MakeIT coaches’ role in providing guidance, teaching tips and tricks, and fostering a sense of belonging.
“I would definitely recommend MakeIT at Libraries to everyone from the young to the old,” she added, citing the diverse array of activities catering to different interests and skill levels.
From teenagers exploring 3D pen art to seniors embracing the spirit of lifelong learning, Elle recognises MakeIT as a beacon of creativity and community.
“For those interested in 3D printing, MakeIT is a fun and inviting place with help provided by experienced coaches that are more than willing to help out everyone.
“Come with an open mind and heart to learn from the people there as well as have fun and make friends with people from all walks of life with a common interest.”
MakeIT is a free-for-public library makerspace that aims to introduce the wonder of digital and tech-based creativity through 3D printing, robotics, sewing and other forms of tech-based tinkering to all adult and senior library members. All programmes and materials are free, and no expertise is required.
Feel free to sign up for one of our free 3D Printing Starter Sessions, where we will teach users to create and edit 3-dimensional visual designs and print them out into actual physical items by using 3D printing machines.
Alternatively, you can also participate in our sewing Starter Sessions, where our MakeIT coaches will aim to equip and familiarise aspiring users to sewing and further inspire them to infuse their creations with technology.
Join the community of makers at MakeIT on Facebook, or visit MakeIT at Libraries in person at the following locations:
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