In the last couple of years, 3D printing has become one of the most outstanding emerging technologies. Technological advances have made 3D printing more accessible, and more and more industries are opting for 3D printing to speed up processes and improve product quality.
It is now education's turn to adopt 3D printing and equip students with the technological skills they need to become tomorrow's innovators. It not only opens up a world of opportunities for students, but also helps them learn better by visualizing ideas through implementation.
Why should classrooms use 3D printing?
First things first - the education system needs to modernise. All students need to have access to modern technologies that can truly improve their skills.
3D printers have already revolutionized several industries; they can also revolutionise the way students learn.
Through 3D printing, students can implement their ideas by bringing CAD projects to life. In addition to the theory provided by books and the Internet, they can use 3D printing to apply these theoretical concepts and understand them better. Through active implementation, students can learn how modern technologies, such as 3D printing, streamline complex processes and improve product quality.
3D printing is not only useful for students studying STEM subjects. This is because 3D printing can also be used as a modern, creative tool that expands imagination.
5 ways 3D printing can be used in education
3D printing Prototypes
3D printing is commonly used in all industries to
create prototypes. However, 3D printing prototypes are also an effective way to teach students. Students can work together to create CAD files of their designs, 3D print the prototypes, and discuss how they can improve the initial design.
Creating artworks
3D printing can be used as a bridge between
technology and art. Through 3D printing, students can expand their tech skills while creating something innovative and meaningful to them.
Coming up with solutions to real-world problems
A great way to get students engaged is to give them the opportunity to come up with a solution to real-world problems, such as climate change, space exploration and affordable housing. Teachers can present a scenario, divide the class into groups, and encourage them to use 3D printing to find innovative solutions to real problems.
Introducing students to lateral thinking
Lateral thinking is a method of solving problems with indirect and creative approaches. Teachers can use 3D printing to introduce the concept in a hands-on and fun way. They can do this by using 3D printing as an idea-generating tool.
Generating teaching aids on site
3D printing is great for creating teaching aids. Missing physical shapes to teach geometry or a globe to teach history and geography? No problem! Having a
3D printer at school allows teachers to 3D print teaching aids on site - without having to go through the difficulties of finding what they need online or at a local shop.
Final notes
Overall, teachers of all subjects can benefit from having a 3D printer at their school. Thanks to easy-to-use software such as Pinshape, Tinkercad and Thingiverse, educators can elevate their lessons with the help of 3D printing. Students, in turn, can visualize their ideas and feel empowered.