Wednesday, March 14, 2012

NCCE 2012 -- Day 2 -- Seattle

Google Sketchup in the Classroom -- Part 1
Presenter -- Regina Cain

Google Sketchup in the Classroom -- Part 2
Presenter -- Regina Cain

These were long-form workshops (3 hours each; lasted all day with lunch break) taking a look at Google Sketchup.  Using a tutorial document from Google, Regina took us through step-by-step the various tools that Sketchup offers.
The non-pro version of Sketchup is free to all; the $400+ Pro version is available to teachers who go through an approval process in which they establish their bona fides as classroom teachers.
As a 3D design tool, Sketchup is indeed amazing.  Even I was able to create a couple structures -- including a fairly decent-looking schoolhouse with row upon row of windows, trees circling, and a bit of picket fence, too.  My doghouse was fairly decorative as doghouses go but I wasn't as proud of it as the schoolhouse I worked on in the latter stages of the workshop.