Cultura

Technological Thinking and 3D Design with LEGO: A Pedagogical Reflection

VOLUME 21, 2024

The Role of Targeted Infra-popliteal Endovascular Angioplasty to Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers Using the Angiosome Model: A Systematic Review

VOLUME 6, 2023

Yonny Fernando Molina Sandoval, Olga Nájar Sánchez, Jenny Edith Parada Camargo

Abstract

This reflection article considers the pedagogical potential of LEGO as a teaching aid for developing three-dimensional (3D) design and technological thinking competencies in the school context. The reflection is supported by a documentary review of studies published between 2019 and 2024 on constructionism, technological thinking, 3D design and spatial visualization, design thinking in K–12 education, and educational robotics, supported by classical theoretical references. It is argued that the articulation of physical construction with LEGO, 3D modeling, and problem-solving benefits processes of representation, functional analysis, iteration, evaluation, and improvement of solutions. It is also argued that LEGO promotes spatial reasoning, systems understanding, applied creativity, and technological decision-making when it is used as a teaching device with pedagogical intentionality rather than simply as a playful resource. Finally, teaching guidelines are proposed for designing classroom experiences centered on prototyping and design.

Keywords : LEGO; 3D design; technological thinking; constructionism; technology education; spatial visualization.
Erin Saricilar
Lecture in accounting. University of Basrah, College of Administration and Economics, Department of Accounting.

Abstract

Atherosclerotic disease significantly impacts patients with type 2 diabetes, who often present with recalcitrant peripheral ulcers. The angiosome model of the foot presents an opportunity to perform direct angiosome-targeted endovascular interventions to maximise both wound healing and limb salvage. A systematic review was performed, with 17 studies included in the final review. Below-the-knee endovascular interventions present significant technical challenges, with technical success depending on the length of lesion being treated and the number of angiosomes that require treatment. Wound healing was significantly improved with direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty, as was limb salvage, with a significant increase in survival without major amputation. Indirect angioplasty, where the intervention is applied to collateral vessels to the angiosomes, yielded similar results to direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty. Applying the angiosome model of the foot in direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty improves outcomes for patients with recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers in terms of primary wound healing, mean time for complete wound healing and major amputation-free survival.
Keywords : Diabetic foot ulcer, angiosome, angioplasty