3D Printer and the Technological Implications in K-12 Education

My children have experience using a 3D printer in technology classes in elementary school and I am always fascinated by the objects that they have created.  I have never used one and chose the 3D printer as the focus for my blog post to understand how they work and explore the educational possibilities.  A 3D printer has the capability of transforming a digital file image from a computer into a 3-dimensional object.  3D printers utilize an additive process to form the object through several layers of material.  A user can choose to develop a 3D image using specific software or utilize an image that is already created.  Many industries have the propensity to utilize 3D printers, like industrial products, prosthetics, eyewear, or even movie sets (3D Printing.com, 2024). How can 3D printers be applied in the educational realm?

3D printers help students with their creativity by making their images come to life.  Students are engaged with their creativity, mathematics, processing, engineering, and science when using 3D printers.  Through utilizing 3D printers, students can integrate technology learned in the classroom through the Replacement, Amplification, and Transformation (RAT) technology integration model (Read, 2022). For example, students can collaborate and work on their projects using digital software.  The software technology enhances the educational process and the 3D printer improves learning through the multidimensional printing process.  The end product can help aid students who could not learn in traditional manners by physically seeing and feeling the outcome of the product that they creatively developed (FunTech, n.d.). By using 3D printers in grade school, students are enhancing their future career roles since so many industries utilize CAD software and 3D printing. Furthermore, 3D printers can cut down on costs for classroom supplies and handouts.  As opposed to purchasing items for the classroom, an educator can utilize the benefit of having a 3D printer and print out the necessary materials required.  

I found 2 valuable educational resources that would be beneficial for educators looking to incorporate a 3D printer in their classroom.

Thingiverse - provides webinars, lessons, and ideas by subject matter for employing 3D printers.

https://www.thingiverse.com/education

Makerbot - provides educators with training information, support, and relevant descriptions of various 3D printer models.

https://www.makerbot.com/

 

References

3D Printing.Com. (2024). What is 3D printing?. 3D printing.com. https://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/

FunTechBlog. (n.d.). 3D printing for kids: What parents need to know and is it safe? https://funtech.co.uk/latest/3d-printing-for-kids-what-parents-need-to-know-is-it-safe

Read, M. F. (2022). RAT: The RAT technology integration model. EdTechnica: The open encyclopedia of educational technology. https://doi.org/10.59668/371.7485