Education has certainly evolved from blackboards and chalk to technology in classrooms, e-learning programs, and now the introduction of custom 3D models in educational quizzes. This is not just an impressive technical advancement; it adds to student engagement and transforms a passive learning experience into a fun, interactive experience and clarifies thinking in what can be a complex and confusing visualization.
In this blog, we will examine how meaningful 3D models can make a difference in quizzes, which subjects take advantage of it, the approaches to developing your models, and how to best use them effectively. Regardless of whether you are a teacher, a trainer, or just have a passing interest in educational technology, there is something for you.
Why 3D Models in Quizzes Matter
Take a moment and imagine how difficult it would be to understand the anatomical structure of a human heart using a flat, 2D diagram. Now, imagine being able to spin a 3D heart, zoom in, and observe how blood flows through it. That’s the value of 3D.
Here are a few reasons why 3D models are especially useful in quizzes:
- Visual Learning: Many students are visual learners, thus, 3D models help them see and understand complex concepts more quickly.
- Interactivity: Rather than passively reading, students are able to interact with the content by spinning, moving and discovering a model.
- Longer Retention: Students remember things longer when they engage in the content.
- More Fun: In many cases, 3D quizzes are treated more as games than they are as quizzes, encouraging students to stay engaged.
Types of Subjects That Benefit from Custom 3D Quizzes
Not every subject requires 3D models, but in some cases, a model is invaluable. Here are a few subjects where custom 3D quizzes can be a big help:
- Biology – consider things like body organs, plant cells, and animal anatomy. 3D can help students to visualize and understand biological systems.
- Geography – models of landscapes/forms, climate systems, maps can really bring lessons to life.
- Physics and Chemistry – atoms, molecules, forces, and machines can all be shown in 3D for enhanced understanding.
- Math – students learn much more effectively through 3D manipulation in geometry or spatial reasoning.
- History and archaeology – display ancient tools, artefacts, or even buildings in 3D.
- Engineering and Architecture – 3D thinking is foundational to these disciplines so it is helpful to have interactive models.
- Language learning – 3D can be used to label parts of objects, or experience cultural objects.
How to Create a Custom 3D Model for a Quiz
Creating a custom 3D model may sound technical, but it’s very easy to get started! Below is a simple guide to help you get started:
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- Decide on the Topic: Choose the concept or item you want to create a 3D model for. It could be anything from a volcano to a bicycle.
- Sketch or Plan the Model: I recommend creating a rough sketch or outline before loading any software. Know what important features of the model you want to show.
- Choose a 3D Modeling Tool: Start with easier modeling software (more information to come)!
- Create the Model:
- Use basic shapes like cubes, spheres, or cylinders to model the object.
- You can add textures and colors to make it more realistic.
- Export or Use it in your Quiz Tool: Most modeling tools will let you export files in formats that include: .GLB, .FBX or .OBJ (examples). Choose quiz tools that support 3D files.
- Add Quiz Questions:
- Add multiple-choice or true and false questions around the model.
- Ask students to identify parts of the model, explain how parts work, or to create puzzles based on the model.
Best Practices for Designing Educational 3D Models
Making a 3D model is one thing. Ensuring it ultimately aids students in their learning is another matter altogether. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
- Be Concise: Avoid including excessive detail in your model. Your focus should be what is necessary for the lesson.
- Point Out Important Features: You can also use colors, arrows, and text to direct students’ focus.
- Make It Move: To the extent possible, allow students to move, rotate, and zoom in and out of the model.
- Consider Accessibility: You should also allow for text descriptions, or audio of the model, if it allows for adaptability for students with different needs.
- Test It First: Before introducing the 3D model to your class, use it with a few students to see if they understand it.
- Change As Needed: With a 3D model you are not stuck working with one version. If something isn’t working or a better version is available, improve it.
Tools and Resources for Beginners
You don’t have to be a technology expert to be able to start creating 3D models either. Here are some great beginner tools and resources:
- Tinkercad: A free, online tool from Autodesk. Great for first-timers. Using drag-and-drop was simple enough.
- Sketchfab: This tool is great for displaying/embedding 3D models and also sharing with others. Numerous excellent free educational resources are available through this tool.
- Blender: A little trickier, but fully free. There are numerous online resources available as tutorials.
- CoSpaces Edu: An easy tool for students and educators to build 3D environments and use them in quizzes. Very intuitive to use.
- Thingiverse: This free, up-to-date library site is rich with quality 3D models. If you don’t want to start from scratch, this is a place to start.
- Unity + VRTK: Includes complexity and educational learning but is great for immersive 3D and VR experiences.
- Google Poly (space closing): Although it was shut down for some time, archives are still available, allowing access to free models for use.
Also, do not overlook Youtube – it’s full of resources to review with any of the tools above.
Final Thoughts
Custom 3D models in education need not be just tech additions. 3D models are valuable educational tools that can imbue an understanding of, a physical interaction with and even aid a student’s memory of an educational concept. And today’s tools allow you to do just that without requiring you to be a 3D artist.
You can creatively address your educational objectives while developing informative and enjoyable educational quizzes. Why not take the next step and design and create your own 3D quiz models?
Whether you’re teaching about the solar system, civilizations or the human body, a thoughtful 3D quiz model may just be the missing educational element you’ve been looking for.