According to a 2020 report by the U.S. Department of Education, about 22% of public schools in the U.S. had access to 3D printers in 2018, up from 13% in 2016. This indicates a growing trend of integrating 3D printing technology into education, as more schools recognize its potential benefits for teaching and learning. However, there are also challenges and barriers that limit the widespread adoption and effective use of 3D printers in schools. In this article, we will explore the current state, benefits, challenges, and future prospects of 3D printing in education.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from digital models by depositing layers of material on top of each other. There are different types of 3D printing technologies, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of 3D printer used in schools is FDM, which extrudes molten plastic filament through a nozzle and builds the object layer by layer on a heated platform.
To create a 3D printed object, one needs to follow these steps:
Design or download a 3D model using a computer-aided design (CAD) software or an online platform.
Slice the 3D model into thin layers using a slicing software that converts the model into a set of instructions (G-code) for the 3D printer.
Transfer the G-code to the 3D printer via a USB drive, an SD card, or a wireless connection.
Start the 3D printing process and monitor the progress.
Remove the 3D printed object from the platform and clean it up.
What are the Benefits of 3D Printing in Education?
3D printing in education has many benefits for students, teachers, and schools, such as:
Enhancing student engagement, motivation, and creativity by allowing them to design and create their own objects and solutions.
Developing student skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), design thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication.
Supporting student learning across various subjects and disciplines by providing hands-on and visual aids for abstract and complex concepts.
Enabling student innovation and entrepreneurship by encouraging them to prototype and test their ideas and products.
Preparing students for the future workforce and careers by exposing them to modern technology and manufacturing processes.
What are the Challenges of 3D Printing in Education?
Despite the benefits, 3D printing in education also faces some challenges and barriers, such as:
The high cost of 3D printers, materials, and maintenance, which may limit the accessibility and affordability of the technology for many schools, especially those with low budgets and resources.
The lack of adequate training, support, and curriculum integration for teachers, who may not have the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to use 3D printers effectively and meaningfully in their classrooms.
The time-consuming and complex nature of 3D printing, which may require a lot of planning, preparation, and troubleshooting, and may not always produce the desired results or quality.
The ethical, legal, and environmental issues associated with 3D printing, such as intellectual property rights, safety and health risks, and waste management.
What are the Future Prospects of 3D Printing in Education?
3D printing in education is expected to grow and evolve in the future, as more schools adopt and integrate the technology into their curriculum and pedagogy. Some of the possible trends and developments are:
The emergence of new and improved 3D printing technologies, materials, and applications, such as bioprinting, metal printing, and multi-material printing, that will expand the possibilities and capabilities of 3D printing.
The increase of online platforms, resources, and communities, such as Tinkercad, Thingiverse, and Makers Empire, that will provide easy access to 3D models, tutorials, and collaboration for teachers and students.
The development of standards, guidelines, and best practices for 3D printing in education, that will address the challenges and issues of 3D printing and ensure its quality and effectiveness.
The creation of more 3D printing projects, competitions, and initiatives, such as the GE Additive Education Program, the Future Engineers Challenge, and the 3D Printing in Schools Project, that will inspire and support teachers and students to use 3D printing for learning and innovation.
3D printing is an emerging and promising educational technology that has the potential to transform teaching and learning in schools. However, it also comes with some challenges and barriers that need to be overcome. By understanding the current state, benefits, challenges, and future prospects of 3D printing in education, teachers and schools can make informed decisions and strategies to implement and use 3D printing effectively and meaningfully in their classrooms.
