3D Printing in Education
Background3D printing is an incredibly powerful and engaging tool for education. However, without innovative ideas for using this in the curriculum, it remains a novelty and will only be seen as a hobby.
ACT of creationOne of the challenges to using 3D printers is coming up with compelling ideas. One can, merely download existing models from online repositories and print those out. That is a powerful idea but that is not the only way that this technology can be used. A significant aspect of the Maker Movement is “the act of creation”. The act of creation is a powerful motivating factor for people. Most people are excited by the possibility of inventing or making something. It is hard to describe but creating something, particularly when it is shared with others provides the human soul with a sense of satisfaction. There is a sense that one has contributed to humanity by adding to the inventions or creations that are out there to be shared and built upon (Steed, 2014). Enter 3D design and printing.
"When you produce something yourself instead of purchasing it, that changes your relationship to it," says Chelsea Schelly. "You are empowered by it.” (3ders.org, 2013). 3d printing as story tellingThe idea of going from a virtual creation to a tangible artifact is a powerful concept. However, it is not just the act of creation that makes 3D printing compelling, it is the message, story, or subject of that creation. One can think of 3D printed artifacts as stories. The key to effective design is to have a compelling subject or story line (Steed, 2014).
In order to create a3D print that is valued by others, one needs to consider the message behind the creation. The story, subject or purpose should drive the creation process; design starts by knowing the story. This is what captivates the viewer; it is what draws a person into the content and engages them with it. Effective integration of 3D Printing into education will encourage students to slow down and consider the degree to which their design ideas are compelling, not just for themselves but also for others. A great idea, purpose, subject or story will drive the passion and rigor required to spend the time on an effective design (Kayler, Owens. & Meadows, 2013). Educators need to move beyond the fact that students can create with 3D printing and put more emphasis on the story or rationale behind the design. This is a role that instructors can take. VideosTo get a sense for what 3D printing may hold for education:
The following video is from an educational technology conference (2014). It is 60 minutes long but an interesting take on this technology:
The following video discusses the use of a mobile Maker Space - 3D printing is one of the options described:
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PurposesCreating a virtual object on the screen of the computer and then turning that into a tangible object is a powerful concept. However, the idea or story behind the 3D design is what will make it an educational activity.
Educational ideas for 3D PrintersHere is a brainstorming list of ideas for using 3D printers in education:
The only limitation here is one’s imagination. Almost any topic which benefits from the creation of a tangible structures might benefit. However, it is important to consider the educational cost/benefit required to design and print such structures. Identifying the affordances of 3D printing will help determine when is it worth the time and effort? Resources
Illustrative ProjectsIn the Spring of 2015 a 3D printing pilot project was conducted with a class of grade 4 students. University student teachers helped with the instructional design of the project. Here is a video overview created by the student teacher:
City X Project
This is a an educational workshop for children 8-12 years that addresses problem solving using 3D printing and the design process: ConclusionsMoving from virtual to reality through 3D printing is a significant shift in thinking and can empower students and bring their imaginations to life (Vanscoder, 2014). The act of creation through 3D printing can be a motivational factor for leaners. However, as educators we need to go beyond that and ensure students are designing compelling artifacts; designs with an engaging message, purpose, subject or story. Compelling design is meaningful communication to the intended audience and so 3D printing should be intentional not just a thoughtless reproduction of objects. 3D printing will inevitably become more pervasive and as advances put more power and capability into the hands of students, it is incumbent on educators to ensure that students are mindful and reflective on their choice of designs and creations.
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References
3ders.org. (2013). 3D Printers could change our education and economy. Retrieved from http://www.3ders.org/articles/20131015-3d-printers-could-change-our-education-and-economy.html
Kayler, M., Owens, T. & Meadows, G. (2013). Inspiring Maker Culture through Collaboration, Persistence, and Failure. In R. McBride & M. Searson (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2013 (pp. 1179-1184). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Lipson, H. (2014). The Future of 3D Printing. Presented at SITE: Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2014.
Steed, M. B. (2001). 3D visualization: Using 3D software to represent curricular concepts. Learning and Leading with Technology, 22(3), 14-20.
Steed, M. B. (2014). The act of creation: The value of New Media production. Proceedings of EdMedia 2014 - World Conference on Educational Media and Technology, June 23-27, Tampere, Finland.
Steed, M. B. (2014). NewMedia design. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2014 from http://newmediacreation.weebly.com
Steed, M. B. (2008). Learning to grapple with difficult problems: Activation Matrix - an instructional approach. Learning Conference 08, The Fifteenth International Conference on Learning, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA, June 3-6, 2008, Retrieved from http://l08.cgpublisher.com/proposals/299/index_html
Kayler, M., Owens, T. & Meadows, G. (2013). Inspiring Maker Culture through Collaboration, Persistence, and Failure. In R. McBride & M. Searson (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2013 (pp. 1179-1184). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Lipson, H. (2014). The Future of 3D Printing. Presented at SITE: Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2014.
Steed, M. B. (2001). 3D visualization: Using 3D software to represent curricular concepts. Learning and Leading with Technology, 22(3), 14-20.
Steed, M. B. (2014). The act of creation: The value of New Media production. Proceedings of EdMedia 2014 - World Conference on Educational Media and Technology, June 23-27, Tampere, Finland.
Steed, M. B. (2014). NewMedia design. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2014 from http://newmediacreation.weebly.com
Steed, M. B. (2008). Learning to grapple with difficult problems: Activation Matrix - an instructional approach. Learning Conference 08, The Fifteenth International Conference on Learning, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA, June 3-6, 2008, Retrieved from http://l08.cgpublisher.com/proposals/299/index_html