3D printing is one of the most exciting innovations in the tech world. It has the potential to revolutionize every aspect of life. This includes changing the way that children are educated. Here is an insight into what this could look like.
Increasing Interactivity
Traditionally, learning has been a passive task. The teacher would stand at the front of the class and present a series of facts. Students would dutifully copy them down. 3D printers have the potential to change this dynamic. This transforms a potentially dull topic into an interesting design challenge.
They’ll be able to create and print their own models. These are a good way of encouraging children to engage more deeply with a topic. As they are creating their models, they'll have to think about how they work. For example, instead of just learning about Ancient Egypt why not encourage the class to make a pyramid on a 3D printer? Or you can make a model of the heart, so students can study it from all angles.
Teaching Problem Solving Skills
One of the most important roles of the education system is to help students develop problem-solving skills. This will help them in all areas of their life. There are several ways that 3D printing can help develop these skills.
They will need to think logically about their models and how they can achieve the shapes they want. Usually, this will be a process of trial and error. Plus, multiple software options can be used to create a 3D model. With each new software, they’ll have to troubleshoot and learn how to build upon their existing skills.
Teachers can increase the difficulty when setting assignments, forcing students to think about what approach they are taking. For example, they can specify the size of their model or say what shape it needs to be.
Growing Teamwork
3D printers are ideal for team projects. Students will be able to divide work and collaborate. The project can be done online, so students can learn this when working from home. Learning how to work together is an essential skill, which will put them in good stead when they head into the workplace.
Encouraging Creative Solutions
Of course, 3D printing isn’t just about using reasoning to solve problems. But it’s also a way to get them to think outside the box. They will need to learn to embrace creativity. Multiple approaches can be taken when designing a 3D model.
Creating a 3D model will require students to tap into their artistic side. They’ll need to visualize the final project. Then, the 3D printer can bring their imagination to life. Thanks to the power of this technology there is no limit to the things they can create.
Using Digital Technology
The world is going to be increasingly digital. Children must learn how to interact with a software interface. They will need to learn how to write computer applications and how to apply this code to real-world objects.
However, this can be a theoretical concept, which can be difficult for some people to get their minds around. This is where 3D printing can help. They’ll be able to learn these skills in a practical setting. This article walks through some of the coding instructions that can be used with a printer.
Sets Students Up for a Career
Ultimately, the goal of education is to give students the skills they need to succeed in their careers. In this case, having an understanding of 3D printing is becoming increasingly important. There are many industries where this technology is becoming more popular. Most notably, this can be seen in areas that have a strong science focus. For example, engineering and manufacturing have embraced 3D printing. For example, it's common to see small-scale models designed and tested.
However, other fields require an understanding of 3D printing. For example, it's increasingly common to see it being used in the entertainment industry. Productions can use this to make life-like props. There is even research being done into how 3D printers could be used in the medical world. For example, in the future organs could be 3D printed, so no one needs to wait for a life-saving transplant.
As the utility of 3D printers continues to grow, they will likely be used in a wider array of industries. This makes it even more important to make sure that children have the skills needed to use this technology.
Getting Started With 3D Printing
One of the reasons why some schools are reluctant to introduce a 3D printing program is because they are concerned about how difficult it will be to learn. The good news is that there are lots of resources to make it a little easier. There are also item repositories, which have dozens of free models. All you need to do is download them and you can have them printed within minutes. Check out this article if you want to get some ideas.
Plus, you don’t need to be an expert to learn how to use a 3D printer. There are plenty of videos and online resources that talk you through the process. The key is to make sure that you are getting a good 3D printer. Try to choose something that has been designed with beginners in mind. These should be easy to use, plus they will be durable enough to deal with the rigors of being in the schoolroom. If you want to know what qualities you should be looking for, check out this guide to the best 3D printers for beginners.
Conclusion
3D printers are one of the biggest innovations in the tech world. They are quickly becoming a common part of all workplaces, from science to entertainment. Because of this, many schools are trying to bring them into the classroom. In the education world, they can teach problem-solving and teamwork skills, while giving students a deeper understanding of the subject. So, try using a 3D printer in your school and experience these benefits for yourself.
