“Improving Accessibility of Technical and Instructional Resources in the 3D Workshop: An Action Research Approach”
Ethical Action Plan:
An introduction to the project
As a laser cutting technician at a university, I have observed that many students find the 3D workshop intimidating and struggle with understanding technical and instructional resources. Specifically, the instructional materials for file setup for the laser cutters often present challenges due to technical jargon and outdated information. This action research project investigates how to improve the accessibility of these resources to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. The challenges students face in setting up files for laser cutting can hinder their confidence and overall learning experience. For instance, many struggle with understanding the correct file formats, such as vector versus raster images, or setting appropriate line thicknesses for cutting versus engraving. Some students also find it difficult to grasp how to correctly assign colors for different laser operations or to navigate the software interface, which can seem overwhelming without prior experience. These obstacles often lead to frustration and errors, preventing students from completing their projects efficiently.
Social justice plays a huge role in this project, emphasizing the need to create equitable learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or prior experience. In technical education and workshop environments, this means addressing the barriers that arise from complex language, lack of prior exposure to machinery and workshops, and outdated instructional materials, ensuring that every student feels capable and empowered to succeed. By addressing accessibility issues, I aim to reduce barriers that may disproportionately affect students who are unfamiliar with technical spaces or lack prior exposure to workshop practices. Ensuring that all students can confidently participate in the workshop is a matter of fairness, inclusivity, and respect for diverse learning needs.
There is limited research on the effectiveness of instructional materials within university technical spaces, making this inquiry especially important. To address this issue, I will gather evidence by noting the types of questions students frequently ask, identifying the difficulties they encounter, and observing how they interact with the current laser cutter file setup instructional leaflet. Additionally, I will evaluate the success rates of students when they use these leaflets independently.
Based on these findings, I will update and refine the instructional leaflets to make file setup instructions clearer and more user-friendly. Student feedback will be central to this process; I will collect both verbal and written responses and observe how students engage with the revised leaflets. This will help determine whether the changes are genuinely beneficial.
To ensure fairness and accuracy in my evaluations, I will follow ethical action plans, obtain informed consent, and remain mindful of potential biases. Ultimately, my goal is to adapt my practice to develop resources that support a wide range of students, making the 3D workshop more accessible and less intimidating for everyone.
