It is amazing to think how far we have come in the past few of decades. When I was in school, I never imagined something so revolutionary as 3D printing would ever be possible. We went from replicating things we like and creating new things out of scraps of wood, paper, plastic, etc., to the ability to replicate objects and creating new things with a 3D scanner and 3D printer and seeing it transform from nothing into something usable right before our very eyes - All due to the advances in technology. What's next? A printer that can duplicate food? Sounds impossible but 30 years ago 3D printing sounded pretty impossible to me too.
As a teacher, I cannot begin to imagine the possibilities this technology of 3D printing would provide for my students. I believe it would provide excellent opportunities to get students excited and engaged in a valuable, interdisciplinary education experience. As the Smithsonian website mentioned, it will spark student's curiosity and will enable them to build lifelong observation and critical thinking skills.
Thingiverse is a great website with so many ideas and possibilities to integrate 3D printing into the classroom. I had fun exploring some of the different subjects and lesson plans available on the site, especially in Math. I would love, for example, to teach measurement by having my students make their own ruler including the separate parts that represents 1/2 inch, 1/4 inch, and 1/8 inch. Also, creating their own manipulatives for representing ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands would be great! Younger students have a hard time grasping these concepts and I think integrating 3D printing and have them create their own learning tools, making it a personal, hands-on experience, would enhance their learning experience tremendously.
Where 3D printing has yet to really make a huge impact, but provides an ample amount of opportunity, is within educational institutions. These range from elementary schools to high schools, universities, and maker spaces around the globe. One reason that 3D printing has been quite slow in making its impact in these institutions is simply because of the lack of knowledge of the technology. Therefore, we have learn some basic knowledge in 3D printing technology and will need to update our information or database so that we can bring this piece of technology into schools!!
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel. It seems like yesterday that pop-up books were all the rage, and now students possess the ability to create their own idea out of thin air, a computer screen, and some plastic twine. 3-D printing offers numerous ways to expand traditional learning in the classroom, and I look forward to someday using it in my own classroom.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing the things technology can do. The part of 3D printing sparking interest in students is a huge plus from this technology. The things being done with how the Smithsonian is scanning archeological sites is opening huge opportunities for education. This allows students to see historical things that in the past were not available to them.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with all that is being said. I remember a time when you made things in class you made them out of paper, crayons and noodles. Now whatever you want to make you can print! The 3-D printing sparks a totally different type of creativity in students! The possibilities are endless!
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