Tech Directions

Inside this month:

Introducing the New Age of Desktop Manufacturing
The product design trifecta of 3D design software, rapid prototyping machines, and open source electronics are creating a perfect storm with which to launch a new age in desktop manufacturing and industrial design.

Convert 3D Models into Real-World Creations with 123D Make
A teacher and one of his students use Autodesk’s free 123D Make software and a ShopBot Desktop to create a cool model rocket.

Plan, Build, Launch!—Ping-Pong Ball Launcher Challenges Students’ Creativity
A middle school teacher and a retired engineer ask students to use their imaginations and knowledge to design a structure to consistently launch a Ping-Pong ball as far as possible. Students had to pay attention to budgeting, with cost of inventions factored into students’ final score.

Assessing IT Student Performance Using Virtual Machines
IT instructors can use virtual machines to accurately and safely test students’ information technology and systems administration knowledge.

Career Directions—Industrial Designer
Everything students need to know about careers for industrial designers—wages, responsibilities, education and skills needed, career advancement possibilities, and more.

Product Spotlight
A selection of excellent products to make your teaching efforts more effective.

techdirections is a magazine and website for technology, career/technical, and engineering education. Designed for the involved educator, techdirections brings to life today’s technology and provides a wealth of engaging student activities. We cover automotive, IT, CAD/CAM, electricity/electronics, engineering, manufacturing, woodworking, construction, and much more. We provide information on current industry practices and products that will help you integrate those practices into your classroom.

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